IVI/\ol  lLK 

NEGA  TIVE 


NO 


91-80112-1 


MICROFILMED  1992 
COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARIES/NEW  YORK 


as  part  of  the 
"Foundations  of  Western  Civilization  Preservation  Project 


JJ 


Funded  by  the 
WMENT  FOR  THE 


Reproductions  may  not  be  made  without  permission  from 

Columbia  University  Library 


■      COPYRIGHT  STATEMENT  ^    ^ 

The  copyright  law  of  the  United  States  -  Title  17,  United 
States  Code  -  concerns  the  making  of  photocopies  or  other 
reproductions  of  copyrighted  material... 

Col^mbia  University  Library  reserves  the  right  to  refuse  to 
accept  a  copy  order  if,  in  its  judgement,  fulfillment  of  the  order 
would  involve  violation  of  the  copyright  law. 


AUTHOR: 


BACON,  FRANCIS, 
VISCOUNT  ST.  ALBANS 


TITLE: 


THE  ESSAYS,  OR, 
COUNSELS,  CIVIL  AND 


PLACE: 


LONDON 


DA  TE : 


1853 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSllT  LIBRARIES 
PRESERVATION  DEPARTMENT 

BIBLIOGRAPHIC  MICROFORM  TARGET 


Master  Negative  # 


Original  Material  as  Inlmed  -  Existing  Bibliographic  Record 


1Q2B13 

L7 


Essays.      1853. 

Bacon^   Francis,    viscoimt  St.   Albans,   l56l-l626. 

The  Essays,   or.    Counsels,    civil  and  moral| 
"witn  a  table  of  the  Colours  of  good  and  evil 
Rev.    from  the  early  copies,   with  the  references 
now  first  supplied,   and  a  few  notes,   t)j  Thomas 
Karkby..^     London,   Parker,    13,$3» 


•  •  • 


XT/,    1?0  p.        17^   cm. 


Restrictions  on  Use; 


'       ) 


FILM      SIZE 


ff.    /^ 


TECMNICAL  MICROFORM  DATA 


REDUCTION     RATIO: ^X 


IMAGE  PLACEMENT:    lA     IIA'    IB     IIB 

DATE      FILMED:/^^ 7^^^2^    ^  INITIALS     %ij 

ITEMED  BY:    RFiSEARClfpUBljCATIONS,  INC   WOODBRIDGErCT 


K 


V 


fmin 


Association  for  information  and  Image  Wanagemeot 

1100  Wayne  Avenue,  Suite  1100 
Silver  Spring,  Maryland  20910 

301/587-8202 


Centimeter 

1         2         3 


mmm 


ii 


i    i    1    1 


I  ' 


iiiilmi 


1 


m 


i  I  i  I  I  I  I 


6 


M 


HIIIIIIIHIIIIIII 


8 


10       n        12       13       14        15    mm 


LLUUi 


lUiilLlJ 


I   i   i   i   i   i   i   1 


2 


1.25 


i   i   i   i   i   i   t   1 


iiiiiiin 


i  I  I  i  i  t  i 


4 


U^      2.8 

2.5 

15.       3.2 

2.2 

^  m 

«f       |4£ 

•UfakU 

2.0 
1.8 

4 

-. 

16 

mum 


i        i        i        I        1        S        I        I 


I 


-T> 


MONUFflCTURED    TO    RUM    STflNDORDS 
BY    RPPLIED    IMRGE.     INC. 


-"  ■:*f 


CDluinliia  alititifrsffti* 

iiUlirCiiriUlIrivPark 


LIBRARY 


THE  ESSAYS 


I 

I 


OE 


COUNSELS,  CIVIL  AND   MORAL, 


R'lTH  A  TABLE  OF  THE 


COLOURS    OF    GOOD  AND   EVIL. 


BY 


FEANCIS   BACON, 


'       .      • 


VISCOUNT  ST.  ALBAN. 

REVISED  FROM  THE  EARLY   COPIES,   WITH  THE  REFERENCES  NOW 
FIRST   SUPPLIED,   AND  A  FEW  NOTES, 

BY    THOMAS    MAEKBY,   M.A. 


> 


LONDON: 
JOHN  W.  PARKER  AND  SON,  WEST  STRAND. 

MDCCCLIII. 


i 


PREFACE  BY  THE  EDITOR. 


By  the  same  Editor, 
BACON'S  ADVANCEMENT  OF  LEAENING,  2s. 

HOOKEE'S  ECCLESIASTICAL  POLITY.     Part  I. 
Is.  6rf. 


e 


A 


5 


•  • 


•  * 


.U« 


'\- 


.\ 


^^ 


•  « 


%    •    • 


«  * 


•   • 


.(N 


THE  ready  sale  which  the  edition  of  the  Advancement 
of  Learning  issued  last  year  has  met  with,  encourages 
the  publishers  to  reprint  the  Essays  of  Bacon  on  a  similar 
plan.  I  wish  I  could  hope  that  the  Advancementhdidi  been 
introduced  into  the  class  of  schools  for  the  benefit  of  which 
the  edition  was  more  particularly  intended,  but  I  fear  there 
is  no  reason  for  thinking  this  to  have  been  the  case. 

While  those  to  whom  is  committed  the  education  of  the 
youth,  who  will  hereafter  occupy  the  highest  and  lowest 
positions  in  the  social  scale,  have  been  called  upon  by  the 
Government  to  render  a  strict  account  of  their  steward- 
ship, no  opportunity  has  hitherto  been  taken  of  ascertain- 
ing how  the  teachers  of  the  children  of  the  middle  classes 
fulfil  their  task.  On  the  one  hand,  a  royal  commission 
makes  a  searching  inquiry  into  the  reverues,  discipline, 
and  teaching  of  our  Universities,  and  returns  have  been 
demanded  from  all  the  great  endowed  schools  ;  on 
the  other,  inspectors  are  constantly  travelling  through 
the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land,  to  see  that  the 
parish  schools  are  efficiently  managed,  with  results, 
though  mixed,  yet  on  the  whole,  as  I  believe,  useful  and 
\  valuable ;   but  no  commissioners  or  inspectors   have  yet 

^  found   their  way  into    the    numerous  body  of  private 

A  2 


^ 


14527U 


IV 


Preface  hy  tJie  Editor, 

schools  for  the  sons  of  farmers  and  tradesmen  which  exist 
throughout  the  kingdom.^     Yet    it  would  be  easy  to 
show  that  it  is  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  com- 
monwealth to  take  heed  that  these   schools  be  no  less 
than  any  others  *  seminaries  of  sound  learning  and  re- 
ligious education.'     j?heir  scholars  will  hereafter  occupy 
the  relation  of  employers  to  the  great  bulk  of  the  labour- 
ing classes,  and  it  will  be  a  bad  business,  if,  as  seems 
likely  to  happen  in  many  country  parishes,  the  ploughman 
should  one  day  prove  a  better  educated  man  than  his 
master.     Nor  does  the  want  of  permanent  endowment 
furnish  any  reason  why  private  schools  should  be  exempt 
from  all  inspection.     The  right  of  the  nation  to  inter- 
fere with  bodies    possessing  endowments    is   grounded, 
I  apprehend,  not  upon  the  mere  fact  of  their  possessing 
property,  but  upon  their  having  public  duties  to  perform ; 
and  it  will  scarcely  be  denied  that  all  schoolmasters  dis- 
charge a  high  duty  to  the  State.     The  imperative  need  of  a 
measure  which  would  compel  the  masters  of  private  schools 
to  undergo  some  trial  of  their  ability  to  discharge  the  task 
they  take  upon  themselves,  is  shown  by  simply  describing 
the  present  state  of  things.   Any  man  having  a  little  capital 
at  his  command  to  take  and  furnish  a  house  and  grounds 
of  moderate  size,  may  forthwith  set  up  a  school  and  place 


'  IX  would  be  very  useful,  with  a  view  to  ascertaining  the  present 
state  of  education  among  the  classes  indicated,  if  a  member  of  the 
House  of  Commons  would  procure  a  return  from  all  private  schools 
of  the  number  of  teachers,  scholars,  subjects  of  study,  books  read,  &c. 
A  regular  inquiry  into  their  condition  could  hardly  be  considered  an 
undue  interference  with  the  rights  of  the  subject.  The  legislators  of 
Queen  Elizabeth's  reign  clearly  went  on  the  principle  that  all  kinds 
of  schools  and  colleges  were  responsible  to  the  State. 


r 


Prejace  hy  the  Editor,  v 

himself  at  the  head  of  it ;  no  testimony,  no  proof  what- 
ever of  his  fitness  for  the  task  is  demanded.  It  may  be 
said  that  he  will  not  succeed  unless  he  has  the  energy 
and  skill  to  fulfil  his  duties  properly.  But  this  is  very 
doubtful.  The  persons  whose  sons  he  hopes  to  have  under 
his  care,  are  for  the  most  part  but  indifferent  judges 
of  literary  attainments;  and  being  often  grossly  ignorant 
themselves,  are  likely  to  care  less  about  the  mental 
progress  than  the  physical  comforts  of  their  children. 
That  this  is  actually  the  case,  may  be  seen  by  casting 
one's  eye  down  a  column  of  scholastic  advertisements  in 
the  Times.  The  same  authority  will  likewise  show,  what 
indeed  is  notorious  enough,  that  many  owners  of  private 
schools  are  not  only  deplorably  wanting  in  good  taste  and 
scholarship,  but  wholly  blind  to  the  tremendous  moral 
responsibility  of  their  calling.  To  good  teachers  in  private 
schools,  of  whom  there  are  many,  no  greater  boon  can  be 
conceived  than  an  opportunity  of  proving  their  capacity. 
At  present  they  labour  under  a  very  great  disadvantage. 
They  have  no  status,  they  belong  to  no  recognised  body.^ 
They  cannot,  in  general,  like  the  masters  in  the  great 
public  schools,  point  to  university  distinctions  as  a  proof 


2  An  effort  has  been  made  of  late  by  some  gentlemen  who  prefer 
the  title  of  preceptor  to  the  good  old  English  schoolmaster  to  esta- 
blish a  corporate  body.  It  may  be  noticed,  by-the-bye,  that  a  letter 
was  addressed  by  the  authorities  of  the  college  in  question  to  the 
Cambridge  University  Commission.  Although  the  learned  persons 
from  whom  the  document  proceeded  do  not  appear  to  have  perceived 
all  the  bearings  of  the  question  they  raise,  yet  the  letter  in 
some  points  of  view  0a>i/a  (TweroXcriv,  and  will  therefore  repay 
perusal.  It  may  be  found  in  the  appendix  to  the  report  of  the  Com- 
missioners. 


<\. 


I    ■ 


*l> 


vi  Preface  hy  the  Editor, 

of  their  powers,  or  to  tlie  fact  of  their  having  been  care- 
fully chosen  by  well  qualified  judges  out  of  a  large  number 
of  candidates  for  the  post.  Nor  have  they  the  advantage 
of  that  sort  of  unofficial  inspection  which  is  usually 
invited  by  those  heads  of  schools  whose  connexion  with 
the  universities  enables  them  to  induce  distinguished  men 
to  conduct  their  annual  examinations.^  Indeed  the  con- 
dition of  the  latter  class  of  seminaries  is  generally  matter 
of  great  notoriety,  not  only  from  the  reports  of  the  yearly 
examiners,  but  from  the  good  or  ill  success  of  their  pupils 
at  Oxford  and  Cambridge,  and  it  may  be  questioned 
whether  any  system  of  official  inquiry  could  be  devised 
which  would  answer  the  purpose  better.  And  since  the 
practice  is  almost  universal,  and  not  only  not  opposed,  but, 
in  point  of  fact,  invited  by  the  masters  themselves,  we  may 
take  it  for  granted  that  it  is  conducive  to  their  material 
interests.  Again,  a  parish  schoolmaster  may  distinguish 
himself  at  Battersea  or  St.  Mark's  ;  he  will  have  full 
justice  done  to  his  labours  in  the  report  of  the  government 
inspector ;  he  knows,  in  short,  that  he  will  be  judged  by 
competent  men  and  recompensed  according  to  his  true 
worth.  Why  should  the  master  of  a  school  adapted  to 
the  wants  of  a  class  of  boys  between  these  extremes,  be 
wholly  debarred  from  all  those  advantages,  merely  because 
he  has  not  had  a  university  education,  or  been  connected 
with  any  of  the  training  institutions  ? 

There  is  another  point  in  which  a  system  of  inspection  is 
very  desirable.  The  course  of  study  ought  to  be  arranged 
and  limited  according  to  the  wants  and  capacities  of  the 

3  Even  at  Eton,  the  closest  of  all  foundations,  the  posers  and 
examiners  for  the  Newcastle  Scholarship  are  often  strangers  to  the 
place. 


J. 


4 


A 


#  ^ 


h* 


Preface  hy  tJie  Editor.  ^i^ 

boys,  and  a  stop  put  to  the  abominable  system  of  puffing, 
which  compels  masters  to  promise  in  their  advertisements 
that  every  boy  shall  learn  everything.  Surely  it  is  time  that 
people  should  be  made  to  understand  that  the  chief  object 
of  school  education  is  to  show  boys  how  to  learn  and  think 
for  themselves,  by  soundly  teaching  them  the  elements  ot 
a  few  branches  of  study .^     Suggestion  is  all  that  can  be 
expected  or  desired  of  a  schoohnaster,  and  a  spirit  of  self- 
dependence  in  research,  with  a  good  insight  into  the 
proper  method  of  approaching  a  difficult  subject,  will  be 
far  more  valuable  to  his  scholars  than  any  crude  mass  of 
facts  got  up  by  rote,  however  wide  the  field  may  be  over 
which  they  range.     The  tendency  of  the  present  day  is 
to  turn  the  attention  of  boys  to  too  many  subjects,  and 
to  compress  the  period  of  education  into  too  narrow  limits. 
The    merits    of  then-  masters   are   therefore  apt  to  be 
measured  by  the  number  of  subjects  taught  and  the  short- 
ness of  time  in  which  the  race  through  them  is  accom- 
plished.   But  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  masters  can 
supply  neither  intelligence  nor  industry  ;   and  the  best 
master  is  not  he  who  makes  the  most  show  of  learning, 
but  he  who  induces  the  largest  number  of  boys  to  make  the 


*  It  is  worth  remark  that  so  far  as  my  opportunities  of  ohservation 
have  extended,  I  have  found  that  the  works  of  English  writers  are 
invariably  excluded  from  schools  where  the  classics  are  not  read.  A 
short  time  since  I  had  occasion  to  make  inquiry  into  the  books  used  in 
a  large  school  where  no  Greek  was  taught,  and  only  the  rudiments  of 
Latin.  No  English  book  was  regularly  read.  A  collection  of  short 
extracts  from  writers  in  poetry  and  prose  was  in  the  hands  of  most  of 
the  boys,  and  about  a  dozen  were  occasionally  examined  in  a  few  pages 
of  an  historical  work.  Not  even  the  Bible  or  Shakspeare  were  ever  read 
aloud  in  class.     Yet  the  prospectus  contained  a  long  list  of  sciences. 


\ 


VUl 


Preface  hy  the  Editor. 


fullest  use  they  can  of  the  several  abilities  with  which  it 
has  pleased  God  to  endow  them. 

Before  dismissing  the  book  it  will  be  as  well  to  give 
a  short  account  of  it.  In  the  year  1597,  Bacon,  then 
a  rising  barrister,  published  a  thin  octavo  containing 
Meditationes  Sacra),  a  Table  of  the  Colours  of  Good 
and  Evil,  and  ten  Essays.  In  1612  he  reprinted  the 
Essays,  increased  to  thirty-eight  (forty  are  named  in  the 
index,  but  two  were  not  written),  and,  finally,  in  1625 
he  again  issued  them  *  newly  written,'  and  now  fifty-eight 
in  number.  This  was  the  last  edition  printed  in  the  author's 
lifetime,  and  he  seems  to  have  superintended  it  himself 
with  the  greatest  care,  as  might  be  expected  when  he  was 
dismissing  his  favourite  work  finally  corrected  and  en- 
larged. 

I  have  to  repeat  what  I  have  before  remarked,  that  it  is 
surprising  to  find  with  what  freedom  the  text  has  been 
tacitly  altered.  I  am  very  far  from  saying  that  an  editor 
ought  never  to  make  any  change  in  the  received  text,  but 
surely,  as  a  matter  of  honesty,  he  ought  to  note  the 
slightest  alteration  in  the  margin;  more  especially  in 
dealing  with  a  work  which  has  received  such  careful  super- 
vision from  its  author.  Even  Mr.  Basil  Montagu's  edition 
is  very  far  from  rigidly  correct ;  indeed  it  is  a  book  of  little 
value,  and  costs  an  enormous  sum.  De  7nortuis  nil  nisi 
bonum,  therefore  I  shall  not  say  more  about  it.  But  it 
ought  to  be  clearly  understood  that  to  tamper  with  an 
author's  text  without  indicating  the  changes  made,  ought 
not  to  be  merely  called  injudicious,  but  branded  with  shame 
as  highly  dishonest. 

The  Colours  of  Good  and  Evil  were  not  reprinted  by 
the  author  in  Enghsh  after  the  year  1597,  but  he  incor- 


41^1  i 


^     IK 


r        ^ 


^    \  l*^ 


4       U 


Preface  hy  the  Editor, 


IX 


porated  them  almost  literally  into  the  De  Augmentis.  It 
would  have  been  more  proper,  therefore,  to  have  printed 
them  with  the  Advancement  of  Learning,  but  as  publishing 
considerations  rendered  that  inconvenient,  I  have  added 
them  here. 

The  references  are  given  to  the  most  important  quotations, 
for  which  I  am  alone  responsible. 


T.  M. 


London,  June^  1853. 


THE  TABLE. 


•<»>»* 


i 


p 


4' 


i; 


PAGE 


...^^ 


Of  Truth 1625  

II.  Of  Death 1612;  enlarged  1625 

-   III.  Of  Unity  in  Religion Of  Religion  1612;  re- 
written 1625 

IX-  Of  Revenge  ...r^.  1625 

V)  Of  Adversity  .r.....  1625 

Of  Simulation  and  Dissimulation  .;;■. 1625... 

Of  Parents  and  Children  ...  1612  ;  enlarged  1625... 

Of  Marriage  and  Single  Life  1612;  slightly 

enlarged  1625  , 

Of  Envy 1625 

Of  Love 1612;  rewritten  1625 

Of  Great  Place 1612 ;  slightly  enlarged  1625... 

XII.  Of  Boldness  .........  1625 

XIII.  Of  Goodness  Ttnd  Goodness  of  Nature 1612; 

enlarged  1625  

XIV.  Of  Nobility 1612;  rewritten  1625  

Of  Seditions  and  Troubles...  1625 

Of  Atheism    1612;  slightly  enlarged  1625  ... 

XVII.  Of  Superstition.vi.  1612;  slightly  enlarged  1625  ... 

XVIIL  Of  Travel    1625 

*^-    XIX.  Of  Empire 1612  ;  much  enlarged  1625    ... 

XX.  Of  Counsels    1612;  enlarged  1625  

XXL  OfDelays   1625 ., 

-  XXIL  Of  Cunning    1612;  rewritten  1625  

XXIII.  Of WisdomforaMan'sSelf...l612 ;  enlarged  1625... 

XXIV.  Of  Innovations  ...1625  

XXV.  Of  Dispatch    ......1612  

-ja^KL  Of  Seeming  Wise.f^  1612    - 

--..M^XVIj/Of  Friendship..t...  1612;  rewritten  1625 

XXVIIL  Of  Expense 1597;  enlarged  1612;  and  again 

1625  


1^ 


14 
16 
20 
21 
24 

26 

28 

29 

35 

37 

38 

40 

44 

48 

48 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

63 


,__-'!X  T"T- 


Index. 


PAGE 


XXIX.  Of  the  true  Greatness  of  Kingdoms  and  Estates 

...1612;  enlarged  1625  64 

XXX.  Of  Regimen  of  Health...  1597  ;  enlarged  1612  ; 

again  1625  * 71 

XXXI.  Of  Suspicion  1625 73 

/kXXII.  Of  Discourse 1597 ;  slightly  enlarged  1612  ; 

again  1625 73 

Of  Plantations 1625 75 

Of  Riches 1612;  much  enlarged  1625...     78 

XXXV.  Of  Prophecies 1625  80 

V  XXXVI.   Of  Ambition 3612;  enlarged  1625 83 

XXXVII.  Of  Masques  and  Triumphs  ...  1625 85 

XXXVIII.  Ot  Nature  in  Men.  1612;  enlarged  1625 86 

XXXIX.  Of  Custom  and  Education...  1612 ;  enlarged  1625     87 

XL.  Of  Fortune 1612 ;  slightly  enlarged  1625     89 

XLI.  Of  Usury 1625 91 

^        XLII.  Of  Youth  and  Age..  1612 ;  slightly  enlarged  1625     94 

XLIII.  Of  Beauty 1612;  slightly  enla  ged  1625     95 

XLIV.  Of  Deformity  1612;  somewhat  altered  1625     96 

Of  Building 1625 97 

Of  Gardens 1625 101 

Of  Negociating  ....  1597  ;   enlarged  1612;  very 

slightly  altered    1625 106 

XLVIII.  Of  Followers  and  Friends  ...  1597;  slightly  en- 
larged 1625  107 

XLJX.  Of  Suitors  1597;  enlarged  1625 108 

Of  Studies 1597;  enlarged  1625  110 

Of  Faction 1597;  much  enlarged  1625...  Ill 

LIT.  Of  Ceremonies  and  Respects  ...  159?  ;  enlarged 

1625  112 

LIII.  Of  Praise 1612;  enlarged  1625 113 

LIV.  Of  Vain  Glory 1612 115 

LV.  Of  Honour  and   Reputation  ...  1597;    omitted 

1612;  republished  1625 116 

LVI.   Of  Judicature 1612 118 

LVII.  Of  Anger 1625  121 

LVIII.  Of  Vicissitude  of  Things... 1625  123 

A  Fragment  of  an  Essay  of  Fame   128 

Of  the  Colours  of  Good  and  Evil \l\ 


V' 


(• 


-vl 


I 


^ 


THE   EPISTLE   DEDICATORIE. 

[1597.J 


TO  M.  ANTHONY  BACON, 

HIS  DEAEE  BBOTHEE. 

\.If^r''  ^^"^  ^T*^  ^^?^^^^'  ^  '^o  '^o^e  lil^e  some  that 
haue  an  orcharde  ill-neighbored,  that  gather  their  fruit 
before  it  is  ripe,  to  preuent  stealing.  These  fragments  of 
my  eonceites  were  gomg  to  print :  to  labour  the  stale  of  them 
bad  bm  troublesome,  and  subject  to  interpretation :  to  let 
them  passe  had  beene  to  adventure  the  wrong  they  mouffht 
receiue  by  untrue  coppies,  or  by  some  garnishment  which 
it  mought  please  any  one  that  should  set  them  forth  to  be- ' 

^^Z-ir^  ^'"'  r/'''^''^f  ^  ^^^^  i*  ''^«t  discreation  to 
publish  them  myselfe  aUfeej^pasaei.Wagoe  from  my 
m»,  without  any  further  disgrace  the£rtK~#eaHes-8e' or 
ae  author     And  as  I  did  euer  hold,  there  mought  be  as 
great  a  vanitie  in  retiring  and  withdrawing  men's  eonceites 
(except  they  bee  of  some  nature)  from  the  world,  as  in  ob- 
truding them :  so  in  these  particulars  I  have  played  myselfe 
the  inqmsitor,  and  find  nothing  to  my  ynderstanding  in 
tbem  contrane  or  mfectious  to  the  state  of  Religiol  or 
Manners,  but  rather  (as  I  suppose)  medicinable.     Only  I 
chshked  now  to  put  them  out,  because  they  wiU  bee  like 
the  late  new  halfe-pence,  which  ihoughUhe  siluer  were 
good,  yet  the  peices  were  small.  \  But  sJhce  they  would 
not  stay  with  their  Master,  buf'would  aeedes  trauaile 
abroade,  I  haue  preferred   them  to  you  that  are  next 
myselfe ;  Dedieatmg  them,  such  as  they  are,  to  our  loue, 
lu  the  depth  whereof  (I  assure  you)  I  sometimes  wish  your 
infarmities    translated  upon   myselfe,   that  her  Maiestie 
mought  haue  the  seruice  of  so  active  and  able  a  mind  •  and 
i  mought  be  with  excuse  confined  to  these  contemplations 
and  studies,  for  which  I  am  fittest :  so  commend  I  you 
to  the  preseruation  of  the  Diuine  Maiestie.     From  mv 
chamber  at  Graies  Inne,  this  30th  of  Januarie,  1597. 

Your  entire  louing  brother, 

Fean.  Bacon. 


A -^ 


xiv  Prefatory  Epistles, 

TO  MY  LOUING  BBOTHEE, 

SIE  JOHN   CONSTABLE,    KNIGHT. 

My  last  Essaies  I  dedicated  to  my  deare  brother  Master 
Anthony  Bacon,  who  is  with  God.  Looking  amongst  my 
papers  this  vacation,  I  found  others  of  the  same  nature  : 
which  if  I  myselfe  shall  not  suffer  to  be  lost,  it  seemeth  the 
world  will  not ;  by  the  often  printing  of  the  former.  Miss- 
ing my  brother,  I  found  you  next ;  in  respect  of  bond,  both 
of  neare  alliance,  and  of  straight  friendship  and  societie, 
and  particularly  of  communication  in  studies ;  wherein  I 
must  acknowledge  myselfe  beholding  to  you.  For  as  my 
business  found  rest  in  my  contemplations,  so  my  contem- 
plations ever  found  rest  in  your  louing  conference  and 
judgment.     So  wishing  you  all  good,  I  remaine 

Your  louing  brother  andfriend^ 


A 


y 


Prefatory  Epistles, 


XV 


them  (being  in  the  Vniuersall  Language)  may  last  as  long 
as  Bookes  last.  My  Instauration  I  dedicated  to  the  King; 
my  Historie  of  Henry  the  Seuenth  (which  I  haue  now 
translated  into  Latine)  and  my  Portions  of  Naturall 
History,  to  the  Prince;  and  these  I  dedicate  to  your 
Ghace;  Being  of  the  best  Fruits,  that,  by  the  good 
Encrease  which  God  gives  to  my  Pen  and  Labours,  1 
could  yeeld.    God  lead  your  Grace  by  the  Hand. 

Your  Graces  most  obliged  andfaithfull  Seruanf, 
1625.  Fb.  St.  Alban. 


1612. 


Fea.  Bacon. 


TO  THE 

EIGHT  HONOEABLE  MY  VEEY  GOOD  LO. 

THE    DUKE    OF    BUCKINGHAM 

his  geace,  lo.  high  admieal  of  england. 

Excellent  Lo. 

Salomon  sales,  a  good  name  is  as  a  precious  oyntment; 
and  I  assure  myselfe  such  will  your  Grace's  name  bee  with 
Posteritie.  For  your  Fortune  and  Merit  both  haue  been 
Eminent.  And  you  haue  planted  Things  that  are  Hke  to 
last.  I  doe  now  publish  my  Essay  es ;  which  of  all  my  other 
workes,  haue  beene  most  Currant ;  for  that,  as  it  seemes 
they  come  home  to  Men's  Businesse  and  Bosomes.  I  haue 
enlarged  them  both  in  number  and  weight,  so  that  they 
are  indeed  a  New  Worke.  I  thought  it,  therefore,  agree- 
able to  my  Affection,  and  Obligation  to  your  Grace,  to 
prefix  your  name  before  them  both  in  English  and  in 
Latine.    For  I  doe  conceiue,  that  the  Latine  Volume  of 


{ 


i  \ 


\ 


v 


\ 


ESSAYS. 


} 


4     «, 


^ 


T 


I.   OF   TRUTH. 

XT  HAT  is  trutli?  said  jesting  Pilate,  and  would  not 
n    stay  for  an  answer. '    Certainly  there  be  that  dehght 
in  eiddiness,  and  count  it  a  bondage  to  fix  a  belief;  attect- 
ine  free-will  in  thinking,  as  well  as  in  acting.    And  though 
the  sects  of  philosophers  of  that  kind  be  gone,  yet  there 
remain  certain  discoursing  wits,  which  are  of  the  same 
veins,  though  there  be  not  so  much  blood  m  them  as  was 
in  those  of  the  ancients.    But  it  is  not  only  the  difficulty 
and  labour  which  men  take  in  finding  out  of  truth,  nor 
ac^ain,  that  when  it  is  found,  it  imposeth  upon  mens 
thoughts,  that  doth  bring  lies  in  favour;  but  a  natural, 
though  corrupt  love  of  tie  lie  itself.     One  of  the  later 
schools  of  the  Grecians'  examineth  the  matter,  and  is  at  a 
stand  to  think  what  should  be  in  it,  that  men^sWdJ^ 
lies,  wjifire  fleiUierlhejumafee.for  Pl^^f  e^^^,  f  ,f,f; 
^  for  advantage,  as  with  the  merchant;  but  for  the  he  s 
sake     But  I  cannot  tell:  this  same  truth  is  a  naked  and 
.men  dav-light,   that  doth  not   show  the  masques,   and 
mummeries,  and  triumphs  of  the  world  half  so  stately  and 
daintily  as  candle-hghts.    Truth  may  perhaps  come  to  the 
Sr  ce  oY  a  pearl,  that  showeth  best  by  day;  but  it  will  not 
rise  to  the  price  of  a  diamond  or  carbuncle,  thai  showeth 
best  in  varied  lights.    Amixtureofahe  doth  ever  add 
Pleasure     Doth  any  ma^TRSETtEannriere  were  takeH 
out  of  men's  minds  vain  opinions,  flattering  hopes,  false 
valuations,  imaginations  as  one  would,  and  the  like,  but  it 
would  leave  the  minds  of  a  number  of  men  poor  shrunken 
things  fuU  of  melancholy,  and  mdisposition,  and  unpleasmg 
to  tfem^elves?     One  of  the  fathers,'  in  great  severity. 


1  Job.  xviii.  38.  '  Probably  he  means  the  Sceptics. 

»  Perhaps  he  was  thinking  of  S.  Augustme.     Vid.  Aug.  Confe,>. 
i.  25,  26. 


B 


•      / 


3 


Essays, 


I 


I 


called  poesy,  vimim  dcemonum,  because  it  filleth  the  imagi- 
nation, and  jet  it  is  but  with  the  shadow  of  a  lie.  But  it 
IS  not  the  lie  that  passeth  tlirough  the  mind,  but  the  lie 
that  sinketh  in  and  settleth  in  it  that  doth  the  hurt,  such 
as  we  spake  of  before.  But  howsoever  these  things  are 
thus  in  men's  depraved  judgments  and  affections,  yet  truth, 
which  only  doth  judge  itself,  teacheth  that  the  inquiry  of 
truth,  which  is  the  love-making  or  wooing  of  it;  the  know- 
ledge of  truth,  which  is  the  presence  of  it ;  and  the  belief 
of  truth,  which  is  the  enjoying  of  it;  is  the  sovereign  good 
of  human  nature. 

The  first  creature  of  God,  in  the  works  of  the  days, 
was  the  light  of  the  sense;  the  last  was  the  Hght  of  reason; 
land  his  sabbath  work  ever  siace  is  the  illumination  of  his 
Spirit.  First  he  breathed  light  upon  the  face  of  the  matter, 
or  chaos;  then  he  breathed  light  into  the  face  of  man;  and 
still  he  breatheth  and  inspireth  light  into  the  face  of  his 
chosen.  The  poet  that  beautified  the  sect  that  was  other- 
wise inferior  to  the  rest,  saith  yet  excellently  well.  It  is  a 
pleasure  to  stand  upon  the  shore,  and  to  see  ships  tossed 
upon  the  sea;  apleasure  to  stand  in  thetvindow  of  a  castle, 
and  to  see  a  battle,  and  the  adventures  thereof  heloic :  hut  no 
pleasure  is  comparable  to  the  standing  upon  the  vantage- 
ground  of  truth  (a  hill  not  to  be  commanded,  and  where  the 
air  is  aliuays  clear  and  serene),  and  to  see  the  errors,  and 
wanderinas,  and  mists,  and  tempests,  in  the  vale  below  :^  so 
always  that  this  prospect  be  with  pity,  and  not  with 
swelling  or  pride.  Certainly  it  is  heaven  upon  earth  to 
have  a  man's  mmd  move  in  charity,  rest  in  Providence,  and 
turn  upon  the  poles  of  truth. 

To  pass  from  theological  and  philosophical  truth  to 
th?  truth  of  civil  business,  it  will  be  acknowledged,  even 
by  those  who  practise  it  not,  that  clear  and  round  dealing 
IS  the  honour  of  man's  nature,  and  that  mixture  of  false- 
hood IS  like  alloy  in  coin  of  gold  and  silver,  which  may 
makejiie  metal  work  the  better,  but  it  embaseth  it :  for 
these  winding  and  crooked  courses  are  the  goings  of  the 
serpent;  which  goeth  basely  upon  the  belly,  and  not  upon 
the  leet.  There  is  no  vice  that  doth  so  cover  a  man  with 
shame  as  to  be  found  false  and  perfidious:  and  therefore 
Montaigne  saith  prettily,  when  he  inquired  the  reasc  -vhy 
the  word  of  the  lie  should  be  such  a  disgrace,  and  such  an 


J    raake  th( 
these  wi 


*  Lucret.  ii.  init,  Comp.  Ado,  of  Learning,  i.  8.  5. 


il 


r 


i 
\ 


V 


Of  Truth,  S 

odious  charge  ?     Saith  he,  If  it  be  well  weighed,  to  say    _ 
that  a  man  lieth,  is  as  much  as  to  say,  that  he  is  brave    "^ 
towards  God,  and  a  coward  towards  men.'^     For  a  he  faces    r 
God,  and  shrinks  from  man.     Surely  the  wickedness  of 
falsehood  and  breach  of  faith  cannot  possibly  be  so  hi2:aly 
expressed  as  in  that  it  shall  be  the  last  peal  to  call  the 
judgments  of  God  upon  the  generations  of  men:  it  being 
foretold  that  w^hen  Christ  cometh,  he  shall  not  find  faith 
upon  the  earth.^ 

II.    OF    DEATH.  ^ 

Men  fear  death  as  children  fear  to  go  in  the  dark :  and   ^ 
as  that  natural  fear  in  children  is  increased  with  tales,  so 
is  the  other.   Certainly,  the  contemplation  of  death,  as  the 
wages  of  sin  and  passage  to  another  world,  is  holy  and 
religious;  but  the  fear  of  it,  as  a  tribute  due  unto  nature, 
is  weak.     Yet  in  religious  meditations  there  is  sometimes 
mixture  of  vanity  and  of  superstition.     You  shall  read  in^ 
some  of  the  friars'  books  of  mortification,  that  a  man  should 
think  with  himself  what  the  pain  is,  if  he  have  but  his 
finger's  end  pressed,  or  tortured,  and  thereby  imagine  what 
the  pains  of  death  are  when  the  whole  body  is  corrupted 
and  dissolved  ;  when  many  times  death  passeth  with  less 
pain  than  the  torture  of  a  limb ;  for  the  most  vital  parts 
are  not  the  quickest  of  sense.  And  by  him  that  spake  only 
as  a  philosopher  and  natural  man,  it  was  well  said,  Fompa 
mortis  maqis  terret,  quam  mors  ipsa  J     Groans,  and  con- 
vulsions, and  a  discoloured  face,  and  friends  weeping,  and 
blacks  and  obsequies,  and  the  like,  show  death  terrible. 
It  is  worthy  the  observing,  that  there  is  no  passion  m  the 
mind  of  man  so  weak,  but  it  mates  and  masters  the  fear  ot 
death:  and  therefore  death  is  no  such  terrible  enemy  when 
a  man  hath  so  many  attendants  about  him  that  can  win 
the  combat  of  him.     Eevenge  triumphs  oyer  death ;  love 
slights  it;  honour  aspireth  to  it;  grief  flieth  to  it;  tear 
pre-occupatethit;  nay,  we  read,  after  Otho  the  emperor 
Ld  slain  himself,  pity  (which  is  the  tenderest  of  affections) 
provoked  many  to  die  out  of  mere  compassion  to  tlieir 


\ 


5  jEssais  ii  18  *  ^^^^®  ^^"^-  ^• 

^  No  doubt  he*  means  Seneca,  but  I  cannot  find  the  passage  m 
his  writings.  There  is  an  expression  in  a  letter  to  Lucihus  (24)  tolle 
istam  pompam  ^c,  which  might  have  suggested  it. 

B   2 


/ 


^  Essays. 

sovereign,   and   as   the  truest  sort   of  followers.^     Nay 
beneca  adds  niceness  and  satiety:   Cogita  quamdiu  eadem 
Jecerts;  mori  velle,  non  tantum  fortis,  aut  miser,  sed  etiam 
JasUdtosus  potest.^    A  man   would  die,   though  he  were 
neither  valiant  nor  miserable,  only  upon  a  weariness  to  do 
the  same  thing  so  oft  over  and  over.     It  is  no  less  worthy 
to  observe    how  little  alteration  in  good  spirits  the  ap- 
proaches  of  death  make;  for  they  appear  to  be  the  same 
men  till  the  last  instant.    Augustus  Caesar  died  in  a  com- 
pliment:    Lima,  conjugii  nostri  memor  vive,  et  vale}     Tibe- 
rius in  dissimulation,  as  Tacitus  saith  of  him.  Jam  Tiberium 
vires  et  corpus,  non  dissimulatio  deserebant:^  Vespasian  in 
8  jest,  sitting  upon  the  stool,    Ut  puto  Deus  fio :''  Galba 
with  a  sentence,  i<b'e,  si  ex  re  sit populi  Eomani,'  holding 
lorth  his  neck:  Septimius  Severus  in  despatch,  J^^^e^^^,  d 
mild  mihi  restat  agendum,^  and  the  like.     Certainly  the 
btoics  bestowed  too  much  cost  upon  death,  and  by  their 
great  preparations  made  it  appear  more  fearful.     Better 
saith   he,  mil  finem  vitcp  extremum  inter  munera  ponit 
natzcr^.^    It  ,s  as  natural  to  die  as  to  be  born;  and  to  a 
little  infant,  perhaps,  the  one  is  as  painful  as  the  other.    He 
that  dies  in  an  earnest  pursuit  is  like  one  that  is  wounded 
m  hot  blood;  who,  for  the  time,  scarce  feels  the  hurt;  and 
therefore  a  mind  fixed  and  bent  upon  somewhat  that  is 
good  doth  avert  the   dolours   of  death:    but,  above  all 
believe  it,  the  sweetest  canticle  is,  Nunc  dimittisj  when  a 
man  hath  obtained  worthy  ends  and  expectations.    Death 
hath  this  also,  that  it  openeth  the  gate  to  good  fame,  and 
extmguisheth  envy:  Extinctus  amabitur  idem  ^ 


III.    OF   UNITY    IN   RELIGION. 

Religion  being  the  chief  band  of  human  society,  it  is  a 
happy  thing  when  Itself  is  well  contained  within  the  t^e 
band  of  unity      The  quarrels  and  divisions  about  religion 
were  evils  unknown  to  the  heathen.      The  reason  was 
because  the  religion  of  the  heathen  consisted  rather  in  rites 


«  Tacit.  Hist.  ii.  49. 
»  Suet.  Aug.  Vit.  c.  100. 
»  Suet.  Vespas.  Vit.  c.  23. 
*  Dio  Cass.  76.  ad  fin. 
'  Luke  ii.  29. 


»  Jd  Lucil.  77., 
^  Ann.  vi.  60. 
'  Tac.  Hist.  i.  41. 
*  Juv.  Sat.  X.  857. 
«  Hor.  2)?.  ii.  1,  ]4 


I 


/r 


t 


\ 


M 


I 


\>; 


>  .    V 


>4 


Of  Unity  in  Religion.  5 

and  ceremonies  than  in  any  constant  belief:  for  you  may 
imagine  what  kind  of  faith  theirs  was,  when  the  chief 
doctors  and  fathers  of  their  church  were  the  poets.  But 
the  true  God  hath  this  attribute,  that  he  is  a  jealous  God;^ 
and  therefore  his  worship  and  religion  will  endure  no  mix- 
ture nor  partner.  We  shall  therefore  speak  a  few  words 
concerning  the  unity  of  the  church;  what  are  the  fruits 
thereof;  what  the  bounds;  and  what  the  means? 

The   fruits  of  unity  (next   unto  the  well  pleasing  of 
God,  which  is  all  in  all) ^ are  two;  the  one  towards  those 
that  are  without  the  church,  the  other  towards  those  that 
are  within.    For  the  former,  it  is  certain,  that  heresies  and 
schisms  are  of  all  others  the  greatest  scandals ;  yea,  more 
than  corruption  of  manners.     For  as  in  the  natural  body  a 
wound  or  solution  of  continuity  is  w^orse  than  a  corrupt 
humour,  so  in  the  spiritual.    So  that  nothing  doth  so  much 
keep  men  out  of  the  church,  and  drive  men  out  of  the 
church,  as  breach  of  unity ;  and,  therefore,  whensoever  it 
cometh  to  pass  that  one  saith,  eccein  deserto,  another  saith, 
ecce  in  penetralibus ;^  that  is,  when  some  men  seek  Christ 
in  the  conventicles  of  heretics,  and  others  in  an  outward 
face  of  a  church,  that  voice  had  need  continually  to  sound 
in  men's  ears,  nolite  exire,  go  not  out.     The  doctor  of  the 
Gentiles  (the  propriety  of  whose  vocation  drew  him  to  have 
a  special  care  of  those  without)  saith.  If  an  heathen  come 
in,  and  hear  you  speak  with  several  tongues,  will  he  not  say 
that  you  are  mad?  ^     And  certainly  it  is  little  better,  when 
atheists  and  profane  persons  do  hear  of  so  many  discordant 
and  contrary  opinions  in  religion,  it  doth  avert  them  from 
the  church,  and  maketh  them  to  sit  down  in  the  chair  of  the 
scorners.^  It  is  but  a  light  thing  to  be  vouched  in  so  serious 
a  matter,  but  yet  it  expresseth  well  the  deformity.     There 
is  a  master  of  scoffing,  that,  in  his  catalogue  of  books  ot  a 
feigned  library,  sets  down  this  title  of  a  book,  The  Morns 
Dance  of  Heretics.'*     For,  indeed,  every  sect  of  them  hath 
a  diverse  posture,  or  cringe,  by  themselves,  which  cannot 
but  move  derision  in  worldlings  and  depraved  politics,  who 
are  apt  to  contemn  holy  things.  '     .^i-       ..   • 

As  for  the  fruit  towards  those  that  are  withm,  it  is 
peace ;  which  containeth  infinite  blessings  :  it  establisheth 
faith ;  it  kindleth  charity;  the  outward  peace  of  the  church 


®  Exod.  XX.  5. 

3  Ps.  i.  1. 


*  Matth.  xxiv.  26.  ^  1  Cor.  xiv.  23. 

*  Rabelais,  Pantag.  ii.  7. 


0  Essays, 

distilleth  into  peace  of  conscience,  and  it  turneth  tlie 
labours  of  writing  and  reading  controversies  into  treatises 
of  mortification  and  devotion.  ^     -         c 

Concerning  the  bounds  of  unity;  tbe  true  placing  ot 
them  importeth  exceedingly.  There  appear  to  be  two  ex- 
tremes. For  to  certain  zealants  all  speech  of  pacihcation  is 
odious.  Is  it  peace,  Jehitl—Wliat  hast  thou  to  do  with 
peace^  turn  thee  behind  me}  Peace  is  not  the  matver,  but 
following  and  party.  Contrariwise,  certain  Laodiceans  and 
lukewarm  persons  think  they  may  accommodate  points  ot 
relicrion  by  middle  ways,  and  taking  part  of  both,  and  witty 
reconcilements;  as  if  they  would  make  an  arbitrement  be- 
tween God  and  man.  Both  these  extremes  are  to  be 
avoided;  which  will  be  done,  if  the  league  of  Christians, 
penned  by  our  Saviour  himself,  were  in  the  two  cross 
clauses  thereof,  soundly  and  plainly  expounded :  He  that 
is  not  with  us  is  against  us:  and  again,  He  that  is  not 
against  us  is  with  us;^  that  is,  if  the  points  fundamental, 
and  of  substance  in  religion,  were  truly  discerned  and 
distinguished  from  points  not  merely  of  faith,  but  ot 
opinion,  order,  or  good  intention.  This  is  a  thing  may 
seem  to  many  a  matter  trivial,  and  done  already;  but  it  it 
were   done  less  partially,   it  would  be   embraced  more 

^^Of  this  I  may  give  only  this  advice,  according  to  my 
small  model.  Men  ought  to  take  heed  of  rendmg  God's 
church  by  two  kinds  of  controversies.  The  one  is,  when 
the  matter  of  the  point  controverted  is  too  small  and  light, 
not  worth  the  heat  and  strife  about  it,  kindled  only  by  con- 
tradiction; for,  as  it  is  noted  by  one  of  the  fathers,  Chnst  s 
coat  indeed  had  no  seam,  but  the  church's  vesture  was  of 
divers  colours ;  whereupon  he  saith,  in  veste  varietas  sit, 
scissura  non  sit,  they  be  two  things,  unity  and  uniformity. 
The  other  is,  when  the  matter  of  the  point  controverted  is 
great  but  it  is  driven  to  an  over  great  subtility  and 
obscurity,  so  that  it  becometh  a  thing  rather  ingenious  than 
substantial.  A  man  that  is  of  judgment  and  understanding 
shall  sometimes  hear  ignorant  men  differ,  and  know  well 
within  himself,  that  those  which  so  differ  mean  one  thing, 
and  yet  they  themselves  would  never  agree  :  and  if  it  come 


5  2  Kings  ix.  17. 

6  Matth.  xii.  30,  and  Mark  ix.  40. 

25.7. 


See  Jdv,  of  Learning^  ii. 


( r* 


s 


*  ' 


/» 


"> 


V- 


> 


Of  Unity  in  Religion.  1 

BO  to  pass  in  that  distance  of  judgment  vrhicli  i^  between 
man  and  man.  shall  we  not  think  that  God  above,  that 
knows  the  heart,  doth  not  discern  that  frail  men.  in  some 
of  their  contradictions,  intend  the  same  thing,  and  accepteth 
of  both?    The  nature  of  such  controversies  is  exceUently 
expressed  by  St.  Paul,  in  the  warning  and  precept  that  ne 
^iveth  concerning  the  same,  devitaprofanasvocum  novitates 
et  oppositiones  falsi  nominis  scientim?     Men  create  opposi- 
t  on^which  are  not.  and  put  them  into  ^ew  terms  sofixed 
as  whereas  the  meaning  ought  to  govern  the  term    the 
term  in  effect  governeth  the  meaning.    There  be  also  two 

fal^peaces,  or'unities.:  the  one.  -^i- ^be PC.ST^:^ 
hut  uDon  an  implicit  ignorance ;  for  all  colours  wUl  agree 
in  tlTdarl:  the^ther^hen  it  is  pieced  "P -P^  w* 
admission  of  contraries  in  fundamental  points.  For  truth 
^nd  falsehood,  in  such  things,  are  hke  tbe  iron  an^  cky 
in  the  toes  of  Nebuchadnezzar's  image  ;^  they  may  cleave, 
but  thev  will  not  incorporate.  , 

Concerning  the   means  of  procurmg  l^^^^ty'  ^^^,.^^^* 
heware  that  in  the   procuring  or  muniting  of  religious 
unity  they  do  Bot  dissolve  and  deface  the  laws  of  chanty 
anfh'uS  society.    There  be  two  -ords  amongst  Chr- 
tians.  the  spiritual  and  the  temporal ;  and  both  have  their 
due  office  and  place  in  the  maintenance  of  religion    Uut  we 
mav  not  tXe  up  the  third  sword,  which  is  Mahomet  s 
Sd  or  Uke  unto  it :  that  is.  to  propagate  rehgion  by 
tars  or  bv  sanguinary  persecutions  to  force  consciences; 
Ixce^t  it  be  in  cases  of"  overt  scandal,  blasphemy,  or  inter- 
^xtare  of  practice  against  the  state;  much  less  to  nourish 
Tedft^Dns    to  authorise  conspiracies  and  rebellions;  to  put 
bfsXd  St^the  people's  Lnds  and  the  f^^t-f^^^*;, 
the  subversion  of  all  government,  which  is  the  ordinance 
of  God     For  this  is  but  to  dash  the  first  table  against  the 
second:  and  so  to  consider  men  as  Christians,  as  we  forget 
tW  thev  are  men.    Lucretius  the  poet,  when  he  beheld 
iKcto'f  Agamemnon,  that  could  endure  the  sacrificing 
of  his  own  daughter,  exclaimed : 

Tantum  rclligio  potuit  suadere  malorum.» 

What  would  he  have  said,  if  he  had  known  of  the 

onlTn  -France  or  the  powder  treason  of  England? 

Twould  hav'e  C  sTven  tiLs  more  epicure  and  atheist 


7  1  Tim.  vi.  20. 


8  Dan.  ii.  33. 


9  Lucret.  i.  95. 


8 


Essays, 


than  he  was.  For  as  the  temporal  sword  is  to  be  drawn  with 
^eat  circumspection  in  cases  of  religion,  so  it  is  a  thincr 
monstrous  to  put  it  into  the  hands  of  the  common  people" 
let  that  be  left  unto  the  anabaptists  and  other  furies.     It 
was  great  blasphemy,  when  the  devil  said,  I  will  ascend 
and  be  like  the  Highest;^  but  it  is  greater  blasphemy  to 
personate  God,  and  bring  him  in  saying,  I  will  descend,  and 
he  like  the  prince  of  darkness.     And  what  is  it  better,  to 
make  the  cause  of  religion  to  descend  to  the  cruel  and 
execrable  actions  of  murdering  princes,  butchery  of  people, 
and  subversion  of  states  and  governments?     Surely  this  is 
to  bring  down  the  Holy  Ghost,  instead  of  the  likeness  of  a 
dove,  m  the  shape  of  a  vulture  or  raven ;  and  to  set,  out  of 
the  bark  of  a  Christian  church,  a  flag  of  a  bark  of  pirates 
and  assassins.     Therefore  it  is  most  necessary  that  the 
church  by  doctrine  and  decree,  princes  by  their  sword,  and 
all  learnings,  both  Christian  and  moral,  as  by  their  Mercury 
rod  do  damn,  and  send  to  hell  for  ever,  those  facts  and 
opmions  tending  to  the  support  of  the  same,  as  hath  been 
already  in  good  part  done.     Surely  in  councils  concerning 
religion,  that  counsel  of  the  apostle  would  be  prefixed,  Ira 
hominis  non  implet  justitiam  Dei?     And  it  was  a  notable 
observation  of  a  wise  father,  and  no  less  ingenuously  con- 
fessed, that  those  which  held  and  persuaded  pressure  of 
consciences  were  commonly  interested  therein  themselves 
for  their  own  ends. 


Of  Revenge, 


9 


IV.    OF   REVENGE. 

Eevenge  is  a  kind  of  wild  justice,  which  the  more  man's 
nature  runs  to,  the  more  ought  law  to  weed  it  out.  For 
as  for  the  first  wrong,  it  doth  but  offend  the  law  ;  but  the 
revenge  of  that  wrong  putteth  the  law  out  of  office.  Cer- 
tainly, in  taking  revenge,  a  man  is  but  even  with  his 
enemy ;  but  in  passing  it  over  he  is  superior :  for  it  is  a 
prince's  part  to  pardon.  And  Solomon,  I  am  sure,  saith. 
It  is  the  glory  of  a  man  to  pass  hy  an  offence?  That'  which 
is  past  is  gone  and  irrevocable ;  and  wise  men  have  enoudi 
to  do  with  things  present  and  to  come  :  therefore  they  do 
but  trifle  with  themselves,  that  labour  in  past  matters 
There  is  no  man  doth  a  wrong  for  the  wrong^s  sake  •  but 

^  Isai.  xiv.  14.     Cf.  Adv,  of  Learning,  \\,  22,  17. 
2  James  i.  20.  a  Prov.  xix.  il. 


>^' 


thereby  to  purchase  himself  profit,  or  pleasure,  or  honour, 
or  the  like.  Therefore  why  should  I  be  angry  with  a  man 
for  loving  himself  better  than  me  ?  And  if  any  man  should 
do  wrong  merely  out  of  ill-nature ;  why,  yet  it  is  but  like 
the  thorn  or  brier,  which  prick  and  scratch  because  they 
can  do  no  other.  The  most  tolerable  sort  of  revenge  is  for 
those  wrongs  which  there  is  no  law  to  remedy :  but  then, 
let  a  man  take  heed  the  revenge  be  such  as  there  is  no  law 
to  punish ;  else  a  man's  enemy  is  still  beforehand,  and  it 
is  two  for  one.  Some,  when  they  take  revenge,  are  de- 
sirous the  party  should  know  whence  it  cometh ;  this  is 
the  more  generous :  for  the  delight  seemeth  to  be,  not  so 
much  in  doing  the  hurt  as  in  making  the  party  repent : 
but  base  and  crafty  cowards  are  like  the  arrow  that  flieth 
in  the  dark.  Cosmus,  Duke  of  Florence,  had  a  desperate 
saying  against  perfidious  or  neglecting  friends,  as  if  those 
wrongs  were  unpardonable.  You  shall  read,  saith  he, 
that  we  are  commanded  to  forgive  our  enemies ;  hut  you 
never  read  that  we  are  commanded  to  forgive  our  friends. 
But  yet  the  spirit  of  Job  was  in  a  better  tune.  Shall  we^ 
saith  he,  take  good  at  God's  hands,  and  not  he  content  to 
take  evil  also  1  ^  and  so  of  friends  in  a  proportion.  This  ia 
certain,  that  a  man  that  studieth  revenge,  keeps  his  own 
wounds  green,  which  otherwise  would  heal  and  do  well. 
Public  revenges  are  for  the  most  part  fortunate :  as  that 
for  the  death  of  Caesar ;  for  the  death  of  Pertinax  ;  for  the 
death  of  Henry  the  Third  of  France :  and  many  more. 
Eut  in  private  revenges  it  is  not  so  ;  nay  rather  vindic- 
tive persons  live  the  life  of  witches ;  who,  as  they  are  mis- 
chievous, so  end  they  unfortunate. 


V.    OF    ADVERSITY. 

It  was  a  high  speech  of  Seneca  (after  the  manner  of  the 
Stoics),  that  the  good  things  which  belong  to  prosperity 
are  to  be  wished :  but  the  good  things  that  belong  to  ad- 
versity are  to  be  admired:  Bona  rerum  secundarum 
optahilia,  adversarum  mirabilia}  Certainly,  if  miracles  be 
the  command  over  nature,  they  appear  most  in  adversity. 
It  is  yet  a  higher  speeph  of  his  than  the  other  (much  too 
high  for  a  heathen)  -fit  is  true  greatness  to  have  in  one 


I 


*  Job  ii.  10. 


*  Sea.  Ad  Lucil.  66. 


10 


Essays. 


^ 


0/  Simulation  and  Dissimulation, 


11 


the  frailty  of  a  man,  and  tlie  security  of  a  Godjf  Vere 
Tnagnum,  liahere  fragilitatem  hominis,  securitaiem  Dei,^ 
This  would  have  done  better  in  poesy,  wheu  transcen- 
dences are  more  allowed.  And  the  poets,  indeed,  have 
been  bui?y  with  it ;  for  it  is  in  effect  the  thing  which  is 
figured  in  that  strange  fiction  of  the  ancient  poets,  which 
seemeth  not  to  be  without  mystery  ;  nay,  and  to' have  some 
approach  to  the  state  of  a  Christian:  that  Hercules,  \^hen 
he  went  to  unbind  Prometheus  (by  whom  human  nature 
is  represented),  sailed  the  length  of  the  great  ocean  in  an 
earthen  pot  or  pitcher ;  lively  describing  Christian  resolu- 
tion, that  saileth  in  the  frail  bark  of  the  flesh  thorough  the 
waves  of  the  world/  But  to  speak  in  a  mean  :  the  virtue 
of  prosperity  is  temperance ;  the  virtue  of  adversity  is 
fortitude :  which  in  morals  is  the  more  heroical  virtue. 
Prosperity  is  the  blessing  of  the  Old  Testament ;  adversity 
is  the  blessing  of  the  New :  which  carrieth  the  greater 
benediction,  and  the  clearer  revelation  of  God's  favour. 
Yet  even  in  the  Old  Testament,  if  you  listen  to  David's 
harp,  you  shall  hear  as  many  herselike  airs  as  carols  :  and 
the  pencil  of  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  laboured  more  in  de- 
scribing the  afflictions  of  Job  than  the  felicities  of  Solomon. 
Prosperity  is  not  without  many  fears  and  distastes ;  and 
adversity  is  not  without  comforts  and  hopes.  We  see  in 
needle-works  and  embroideries,  it  is  more  pleasing  to  have 
a  lively  work  upon  a  sad  and  solemn  ground,  than  to  have 
a  dark  and  melancholy  work  upon  a  lightsome  ground : 
judge,  therefore,  of  the  pleasure  of  the  heart  by  the  plea- 
sure of  the  eye.  Certainly  virtue  is  like  precious  odours, 
most  fragrant  where  they  are  incensed,  or  crushed ;  for 
prosperity  doth  best  discover  vice,  but  adversity  doth  best 
discover  virtue. 


VI.    OF    SIMULATION   AND   DISSIMULATION. 

Dissimulation  is  but  a  faint  kind  of  policy,  or  wisdom  ; 
for  it  asketh  a  strong  wit  and  a  strong  heart  to  know  when 
to  tell  truth,  and  to  do  it:  therefore  it  is  the  weaker  sort  of 
politics  that  are  the  great  dissemblers. 

Tacitus  saith,  Livia  sorted  well  with  the  arts  of  her 


®   Sen.  Ad  Lucih  53. 


'  ApoUod.  Dear,  Orig,  11. 


4 


hmhand,  and  dissimulation  of  her  son  ;^  attributing  arts  or 
policy  to  Augustus,  and  dissimulation  to  Tiberius.  And 
again,  when  Mucianus  encourageth  Vespasian  to  take  arms 
against  Vitellius :  he  saith.  We  rise  not  against  the  piercing 
judgment  of  Aiigustus,  nor  the  extreme  caution  or  closeness 
of  Tiberius.^  These  properties  of  arts  or  poKcy,  and  dis- 
simulation or  closeness  are,  indeed,  habits  and  faculties 
several,  and  to  be  distinguished.  For  if  a  man  have  that 
penetration  of  judgment  as  he  can  discern  what  things  are 
to  be  laid  open ;  and  what  to  be  secreted,  and  what  to  be 
shown  at  half  lights,  and  to  whom  and  when  (which,  in- 
deed, are  arts  of  state,  and  arts  of  life,  as  Tacitus  well 
calleth  them),  to  him  a  habit  of  dissimulation  is  a  hin- 
drance and  a  poorness.  But  if  a  man  cannot  obtain  to  that 
judgment,  chen  it  is  left  to  him  generally  to  be  close,  and 
a  dissembler.  For  where  a  man  cannot  choose  or  vary  in 
particulars,  there  it  is  good  to  take  the  safest  and  wariest 
way  in  general ;  like  the  going  softly  by  one  that  cannot 
well  see.  Certainly  the  ablest  men  that  ever  were  have 
had  all  an  openness  and  frankness  of  dealing,  and  a  name 
of  certainty  and  veracity  ;  but  then  they  were  like  horses 
well  managed ;  for  they  could  tell  passing  well  when  to 
stop  or  turn :  and  at  such  times  when  they  thought  the 
ease  indeed  required  dissimulation,  if  then  they  used  it,  it 
came  to  pass  that  the  former  opinion  spread  abroad  of  their 
good  faith  and  clearness  of  dealing  made  them  almost  m- 

visible 

There  be  three  degrees  of  this  hiding  and  veiling  of 
a  man's  self.  The  first,  closeness,  reservation,  and  secrecy  ; 
when  a  man  leaveth  himself  without  observation,  or  with- 
out hold  to  be  taken,  what  he  is.  The  second  dissimula- 
tion in  the  negative :  when  a  man  lets  fall  signs  and 
arguments,  that  he  is  not  that  he  is.  •  And  the  third, 
simulation  in  the  affirmative ;  when  a  man  mdustriously 
and  expressly  feigns  and  pretends  to  be  that  he  is  not. 

For  the  first  of  these,  secrecy :  it  is  indeed  the  virtue 
of  a  confessor ;  and  assuredly  the  secret  man  heareth  many 
confessions;  for  who  will  open  himself  to  a  ^fb  or  a 
babbler  P  But  if  a  man  be  thought  secret,  it  mvitetli  dis- 
covery •  as  the  more  close  air  sucketh  in  the  more  open  :  and, 
as  in  confession,  the  reveahng  is  not  for  worldly  use,  but 
for  the  ease  of  a  man's  heart ;  so  secret  men  come  to  the 


8  Tac.  Ann,  v.  1. 


8  Hist,  ii.  76. 


12 


Essays, 


.\\ 


Of  Simulation  and  Dissimulation. 


13 


knowledge  of  many  things  in  tliat  kind ;  while  men  rather 
discharge  their  mmds  than  impart  their  minds.  In  few 
words,  mysteries  are  due  to  secrecy.  Besides  (to  say 
truth)  nakedness  is  uncomely,  as  well  in  mind  as  body ; 
and  it  addeth  no  small  reverence  to  men's  manners  and 
actions,  if  they  be  not  altogether  open.  As  for  talkers, 
and  futilepersons,  they  are  commonly  vain  and  credulous 
withal.  For  he  that  talketh  what  he  knoweth  will  also 
talk  what  he  knoweth  not.  Therefore  set  it  down,  that  a 
habit  of  secrecy  is  both  politic  and  moral.  And  in  this 
part  it  is  good  that  a  man's  face  give  his  tongue  leave  to 
speak.  For  the  discovery  of  a  man's  self,  by  the  tracts  of 
his  countenance,  is  a  great  weakness  and  betraying;  by 
how  much  it  is  many  times  more  marked  and  believed  than 
a  man's  words. 

For  the  second,  which  is  dissimulation;  it  followeth 
many  times  upon  secrecy  by  a  necessity  :  so  that  he  that 
will  be  secret  must  be  a  dissembler  in  some  degree.  For 
men  are  too  cunning  to  suffer  a  man  to  keep  an  indifferent 
carriage  between  both,  and  to  be  secret,  without  swaying 
the  balance  on  either  side.  They  will  so  beset  a  man  with 
questions,  and  draw  him  on,  and  pick  it  out  of  him,  that, 
without  an  absurd  silence,  he  must  show  an  inclination  one 
way ;  or  if  he  do  not,  they  will  gather  as  much  by  his 
silence  as  by  his  speech.  As  for  equivocations,  or  oraculous 
speeches,  they  cannot  hold  out  long.  So  that  no  man  can 
be  secret,  except  he  give  himself  a  little  scope  of  dissimu- 
lations, which  is,  as  it  were,  but  the  skirts,  or  train  of 
secrecy. 

But  for  the  third  degree  which  is  simulation  and  false 
profession,  that  I  hold  more  culpable,  and  less  politic,  ex- 
cept it  be  in  great  and  rare  matters.  And,  therefore,  a 
general  custom  of  simulation  (which  is  this  last  degree),  is 
a  vice  rising  either  of  a  natural  falseness,  or  fearfuluess,  or 
of  a  mind  that  hath  some  main  faults ;  which,  because  a 
man  must  needs  disguise,  it  maketh  him  practise  simula- 
tion in  other  things,  lest  his  hand  should  be  out  of  ure. 

The  advantages  of  simulation  and  dissimulation  are 
three.  First,  to  lay  asleep  opposition,  and  to  surprise. 
For  where  a  man's  intentions  are  published,  it  is  an  alarm 
to  call  up  all  that  are  against  them.  The  second  is,  to  re- 
serve to  a  man's  self  a  fair  retreat :  for  if  a  man  engage 
himself  by  a  manifest  declaration,  he  must  go  through,  or 
take  a  fall.  The  third  is,  the  better  to  discover  the  mind 
of  another.     For  to  him  that  opens   himself,  men  will 


A    "^ 


V  s' 


\ 


hardly  show  themselves  adverse ;  but  will  (fair)  let  him  go 
on,  and  turn  their  freedom  of  speech  to  freedom  of 
thought.  And,  therefore,  it  is  a  good  shrewd  proverb  of 
the  Spaniard,  Tell  a  lie,  and  find  a  truth}  As  if  there 
were  no  way  of  discovery  but  by  simulation.  There  be  also 
three  disadvantages  to  set  it  even.  The  first,  that  simu- 
lation and  dissimulation  commonly  carry  with  them  a 
show  of  fearfulness,  which  in  any  business,  doth  spoil  the 
feathers  of  round  flying  up  to  the  mark.  The  second,  that 
it  puzzleth  and  perplexeth  the  conceits  of  many  that,  per- 
haps, would  otherwise  cooperate  with  him;  and  makes  a  man 
walk  almost  alone  to  his  own  ends.  The  third  and  greatest 
is,  that  it  depriveth  a  man  of  one  of  the  most  principal 
instruments  for  action,  which  is  trust  and  belief.  The 
best  composition  and  temperature  is  to  have  openness  in 
fame  and  opinion;  secrecy  in  habit;  dissimulation  in  sea- 
sonable use ;  and  a  power  to  feign,  if  there  be  no  remedy. 


VII.    OF   PARENTS   AND    CHILDREN. 

1.  The  joys  of  parents  are  secret,  and  so  are  their  griefs 
and  fears;  they  cannot  utter  the  one,  nor  they  will  not 
utter  the  other.  Children  sweeten  labours;  but  they 
make  misfortunes  more  bitter:  they  increase  the  cares  of 
life,  but  they  mitigate  the  remembrance  of  death.  The 
perpetuity  by  generation  is  common  to  beasts ;  but 
memory,  merit,  and  noble  works  are  proper  to  men :  and 
surely  a  man  shall  see  the  noblest  works  and  foundations 
have  proceeded  from  childless  menjTwhich  have  sought  to 
express  the  images^  of  their  minds,  where  those  of  their 
bodies  have  failed:") so  the  care  of  posterity  is  most  in/ 
them  that  have  no  posterity.  They  that  are  the  first 
raisers  of  their  houses  are  most  indulgent  towards  their  • 
children  ;  beholding  them  as  the  continuance,  not  only  of 
their  kind,  but  of  their  work;  and  so  both  children  and: 
creature^. 

The  difference  in  affection  of  parents  towards  their 
several  children,  is  many  times  unequal,  and  sometimes 
unworthy;  especially  in  the  mother;  as  Solomon  saith; 
A  wise  son  rejoiceth  the  father,  hut  an  ungracious  son 
shames  the  mother?  A  man  shall  see,  where  there  is  a 
house  full  of  children,  one  or  two  of  the  eldest  respected, 


-^-^--xa 


«»» 


^  A,  L,  II.  xxiii.  14. 


*  Prov.  x.  1. 


V 


14 


Essays, 


Of  Marriage  and  Single  Life, 


15 


and  the  youngest  made  wantons;  but  in  the  midst  some 
that  are,  as  it  were,  forgotten  who  many  times  never- 
theless prove  the  best.  The  illiberality  of  parents,  in 
allowance  towards  their  children,  is  a  harmful  error; 
makes  them  base;  acquaints  them  with  shifts;  makes 
them  sort  with  mean  company ;  and  makes  them  surfeit 
more  when  they  come  to  plenty:  and  therefore  the  proof 
is  best  when  men  keep  their  authority  towards  their  chil- 
dren, but  not  their  purse.  Men  have  a  foolish  manner 
(both  parents,  and  schoolmasters,  and  servants),  in  creating 
and  breeding  an  emulation  between  brothers  during  child- 
hood, which  many  times  sorteth  to  discord  when  they  are 
jmen,  and  disturbeth  families.  The  Italians  make  little 
difference  between  children  and  nephews,  or  near  kinsfolks; 
but  so  they  be  of  the  lump  they  care  not,  though  they  pass 
not  through  their  own  body.  And,  to  say  truth,  in  nature 
/.  /it  is  much  a  like  matter;  insomuch  that  we  see  a  nephew 
sometimes  resembleth  an  imcle,  or  a  kinsman,  more  than 
his  own  parent,  as  the  blood  happens.  {Let  parents  choose 
betimes  the  vocations  and  courses  they  mean  their  chil- 
dren' should  take ;  for  then  they  are  most  flexible :  and 
let  them  not  too  much  apply  themselves  to  the  disposition 
of  their  children,  as  thinking  they  will  take  best  to  that 
\jghich  they  have  most  mind  to.  It  is  true,  that  if  the 
affection,  or  aptness  of  the  children  be  extraordinary, 
then  it  is  good  not  to  cross  it;  but  generally  the  precept  is 
good,  optimum  elige,  suave  et  facile  illud  faciei  consuetudo. 
Younger  brothers  are  commonly  fortunate;  but  seldom  or 
never  where  the  elder  are  disinherited. 


VIIT.    OF   MARRIAGE   AND    SINGLE    LIFE. 

He  that  hath  wife  and  children  hath  given  hostages  to 
fortune ;  for  they  are  impediments  to  great  enterprises, 
either  of  virtue  or  mischief.  Certainly  the  best  works,  and 
^  of  greatest  merit  for  the  public,  have  proceeded  from  the 
[^unmarried  or  childless  men  ;  which,  both  in  affection  and 
means,  have  married  and  endowed  the  public.  Yet  it 
were  great  reason  that  those  that  have  children  should 
have  greatest  care  of  future  times  ;  unto  T^  hich  they  know 
they  must  transmit  their  dearest  pledges.  Some  there 
are,  who  though  they  lead  a  single  life,  yet  their  thoughts 
do  end  with  themselves,  and  account  future  times  imperti- 
nences.    Nay,  there  are  some  other,  that  account  wife  and 


/4 


I 


4 


children  but  as  bills  of  charges.  Nay  more,  there  are 
some  foolish  rich  covetous  men,  that  take  a  pride  in  having 
no  children,  because  they  may  be  thought  so  much  the 
richer.  For,  perhaps,  they  have  heard  some  talk,  Such  a 
one  is  a  great  rich  man;  and  another  except  to  it.  Yea, 
hut  he  hath  a  great  charge  of  children :  as  if  it  were  an 
abatement  to  his  riches.  But  the  most  ordinary  cause  of 
a  single  life  is  liberty;  especially  in  certain  self-pleasing 
and  humorous  minds,  which  are  so  sensible  of  every 
restraint,  as  they  will  go  near  to  think  their  girdles  and 
garters  to  be  bonds  and  shackles.  Unmarried  men  are,, 
best  friends,  best  masters,  best  servants ;  but  not  always  I 
best  subjects  ;  for  they  are  light  to  run  away;  and  almost* 
all  fugitives  are  of  that  condition.  A  single  life  doth  well 
with  churchmen ;  for  charity  will  hardly  water  the  ground* 
where  it  must  first  fill  a  pool.  It  is  indifferent  for  judges 
and  magistrates:  for  if  they  be  facile  and  corrupt,  you 
shall  have  a  servant  five  times  worse  than  a  wife.  For 
soldiers,  I  find  the  generals  commonly,  in  their  hortatives, 
put  men  in  mind  of  their  wives  and  children.  And  I 
think  the  despising  of  marriage  amongst  the  Turks  ma^eth 
the  vulgar  soldier  more  base.  jfCertainly,  wife  and  children 
are  a  kind  of  discipline  of  humanity ;  and  single  men, 
though  they  may  be  many  times  more  charitable,  because 
their  means  are  less  exhaust ;  yet,  on  the  other  side,  they 
are  more  cruel  and  hard-hearted  (good  to  make  severe 
inquisitors),  because  their  tenderness  is  not  so  oft  called 
upon.V  Grave  natures,  led  by  custom,  and  therefore 
constant,  are  commonly  loving  husbands ;  as  was  said  of 
Ulysses,  vetulam  suam  prcetulit  immortalitati?  Chaste 
women  are  often  proud  and  froward,  as  presuming  upon 
the  merit  of  their  chastity.  It  is  one  of  the  best  bonds 
both  of  chastity  and  obedience  in  the  wife,  if  she  think 
her  hus|>and  wise;  which  she  will  never  do  if  she  find  him 
jealous.\  Wives  are  young  men's  mistresses;  companions  for 
middle  age;  and  old  men's  nurses.  So  as  a  man  may  have 
a  quarref  to  marry  when  he  will.  But  yet  he  was  reputed 
one  of  the  wise  men,  that  made  answer  to  the  question, 
when  a  man  should  marry  ? — A  young  man  not  yet,  an 
elder  man  not  at  all}  It  is  often  seen,  that  bad  husbands 
have  very  good  wives :  whether  it  be  that  it  raiseth  the 
price  of  their  husband's  kindness  when  it  comes;  or  that 


Plut.  Gryll.  1. 


*  Thales.  Vid.  Diog.  Laert.  i.  26. 


16 


Essays. 


Of  Envy. 


17 


the  wives  take  a  pride  in  their  patience.  But  this  never 
fails,  if  the  bad  husbands  were  of  their  own  choosing, 
against  their  friends'  consent;  for  then  they  will  be  sure  to 
make  good  their  own  folly. 

IX.    OF  ENVY. 

There  be  none  of  the  affections  which  have  been  noted 
to  fascinate,  or  bewitch,  but  love  and  envy.  They 
both  have  vehement  wislies;  they  frame  themselves  readily 
into  imaginations  and  suggestions;  and  they  come  easily 
into  the  eye,  especially  upon  the  presence  of  the  objects; 
which  are  the  points  tliat  conduce  to  fascination,  if  any 
such  thing  there  be.  We  see  likewise,  the  scripture  calleth 
envy  an  evil  eye:  and  the  astrologers  call  the  evil  influences 
of  the  stars  evil  aspects :  so  that  still  there  seemeth  to  be 
acknowledged,  in  the  act  of  envy,  an  ejaculation,  or  irra- 
diation of  the  eye.  I*^ay,  some  have  been  so  curious  as  to 
note,  that  the  times,  when  the  stroke  or  percussion  of  an 
envious  eye  doth  most  hurt,  are,  when  the  party  envied  is 
beheld  in  glory  or  triumph ;  for  that  sets  an  edge  upon  envy : 
and  besides,  at  such  times,  the  spirits  of  the  person  envied  do 
come  forth  most  into  the  outward  parts,  and  so  meet  the  blow. 

But  leaving  these  curiosities  (though  not  unworthy  to 
be  thought  on  in  fit  place),  we  shall  handle  what  persons 
are  apt  to  envy  others ;  what  persons  are  most  subject  to 
be  envied  themselves;  and  what  is  the  difference  between 
public  and  private  envy. 

A  man  that  hath  no  virtue  in  himself  ever  envieth 
virtue  in  others.  For  men's  minds  will  either  feed  upon 
their  own  good,  or  upon  others'  evil,  and  w  ho  wanteth  the 
one  will  prey  upon  the  other ;  ^d  whoso,  is  out  of  hope  to 
attain  to  another's  virtue  wilB  seek  to  come  at  even  hand 
by  depressing  another's  fortune. 

A  man  that  is  busy  and  inquisitive  is  commonly 
envious :  for  to  know  much  of  other  men's  matters  cannot 
be  because  all  that  ado  may  concern  his  own  estate : 
therefore  it  must  needs  be  that  he  taketh  a  kind  of  plav 
pleasure  in  looking  upon  the  fortunes  of  others  ;  neither 
can  he  that  mindeth  but  his  own  business  find  much  matter 
for  envy.  For  envy  is  a  gadding  passion,  and  walketh 
the  streets,  and  doth  not  keep  home:  Non  est  curiosus, 
quin  idem  sit  malevolus} 

*  Cf.  Plut.  de  Curios.  1. 


( 


.i^ 


^   « 


i    >* 


Men  of  noble  birth  are  noted  to  be  envious  towards 
new  men  when  they  rise ;  for  the  distance  is  altered  ;  and 
it  is  like  a  deceit  of  the  eye,  that  when  others  come  on 
they  think  themselves  go  back. 

Deformed  persons  and  eunuchs,  and  old  men  and 
bastards  are  envious:  for  he  that  cannot  possibly  mend 
his  own  case,  will  do  what  he  can  to  impair  another's; 
except  these  defects  light  upon  a  very  brave  and  heroical 
nature,  which  thinketh  to  make  his  natural  wants  part  of 
his  honour;  in  that  it  should  be  said,  that  a  eunuch,  or  a 
lame  man,  did  such  great  matters ;  affecting  the  honour  of 
a  miracle :  as  it  was  in  Narses  the  eunuch,  and  Agesilaus 
and  Tamerlane,  that  were  lame  men. 

The  same  is  the  case  of  men  who  rise  after  calamities 
and  misfortunes ;  for  they  are  as  men  fallen  out  with  the 
times,  and  think  other  men's  harms  a  redemption  of  their 
own  sufferings. 

They  that  desire  to  excel  in  too  many  matters,  out  of 
levity  and  vain  glory,  are  ever  envious ;  for  they  cannot 
want  work ;  it  being  impossible,  but  many,  in  some  one  of 
those  things,  should  surpass  them.  Which  was  the  cha- 
racter of  Adrian  the  emperor,  that  mortally  envied  poets 
and  painters,  and  artificers  in  works  wherein  he  had  a  vein 
to  excel.^ 

Lastly,  near  kinsfolks  and  fellows  in  office,  and  those  that 
have  been  bred  together,  are  more  apt  to  envy  their  equals 
when  they  are  raised.  For  it  doth  upbraid  unto  them 
their  own  fortunes,  and  pointeth  at  them,  and  cometh 
oftener  into  their  remembrance,  and  incurreth  likewise 
more  into  the  note  of  others ;  and  envy  ever  redoubleth 
from  speech  and  fame.  Cain's  envy  was  the  more  vile 
and  malignant  towards  his  brother  Abel,  because,  when 
his  sacrifice  was  better  accepted,  there  was  nobody  to  look 
on.     Thus  much  for  those  that  are  apt  to  envy. 

Concerning  those  that  are  more  or  less  subject  to 
envy :  first,  persons  of  eminent  virtue,  when  they  are  ad- 
vanced, are  less  envied.  For  their  fortune  seemeth  but 
due  unto  them ;  and  no  man  envieth  the  payment  of  a 
debt,  but  rewards  and  liberality  rather.  Again,  envy  is 
ever  joined  with  the  comparing  of  a  man's  self;  and  where 
there  is  no  comparison,  no  envy;  and  ^therefore  kings  are 
not  envied  but  by  kings.    Nevertheless,  it  is  to  be  noted. 


•  Spartian  Fit,  Adrian  15. 

C 


18 


Essays. 


that  unwortliy  persons  are  most  envied  at  their  first 
coming  in,  and  afterwards  overcome  it  better;  whereas, 
contrariwise,  persons  of  worth  and  merit  are  most  envied 
when  their  fortune  continueth  long.  For  by  that  time, 
though  their  virtue  be  the  same,  yet  it  hath  not  the  same 
lustre;  for  fresh  men  grow  up  that  darken  it. 

Persons  of  noble  blood  are  less  envied  in  their  rising; 
for  it  seemeth  but  right  done  to  their  birth.  Besides, 
there  seemeth  not  so  much  added  to  their  fortune ;  and 
■envy  is  as  the  sun-beams,  that  beat  hotter  upon  a  bank  or 
steep  rising  ground  than  upon  a  flat.  And,  for  the  same 
reason,  those  that  are  advanced  by  degrees  are  less  envied 
than  those  that  are  advanced  suddenly,  and  per  saltum. 

Those  that  have  joined  with  their  honour  great  travels, 
cares,  or  perils,  are  less  subject  to  envy:  for  men 
think  that  they  earn  their  honours  hardly,  and  pity  them 
sometimes ;  and  pity  ever  healeth  envy :  wherefore  you 
shall  observe,  that  the  more  deep  and  sober  sort  of  politic 
persons,  in  their  greatness,  are  ever  bemoaning  themselves 
what  a  life  they  lead,  chanting  a  quanta  patimur:  not 
that  they  feel  it  so,  but  only  to  abate  the  edge  of  envy. 
.  But  this  is  to  be  understood  of  business  that  is  laid  upon 
men,  and  not  such  as  they  call  unto  themselves.  For  nothing 
increaseth  envy  more  than  an  unnecessary  and  ambitious 
engrossing  of  business:  and  nothing  doth  extinguish  envy 
more  than  for  a  great  person  to  preserve  all  other  inferior 
officers  in  their  full  rights  and  pre-eminences  of  their 
places :  for,  by  that  means,  there  be  so  many  screens  between 
him  and  envy. 

Above  all,  those  are  most  subject  to  envy  which  carry 
the  greatness  of  their  fortunes  in  an  insolent  and  proud 
manner:  being  never  well,  but  while  they  are  showing 
how  great  they  are,  either  by  outward  pomp,  or  by 
triumphing  over  all  opposition  or  competition;  whereas 
wise  men  will  rather  do  sacrifice  to  envy,  in  suffering  them- 
selves, sometimes  of  purpose,  to  be  crossed  and  overborne 
in  things  that  do  not  much  concern  them.  Notwithstand- 
ing so  much  is  true;  that  the  carriage  of  greatness  in  a 
plain  and  open  manner  (so  it  be  without  arrogancy  and 
vain-glory),  doth  draw  less  envy  than  if  it  be  in  a  more 
crafty  and  cunning  fashion.  For  in  that  course  a  man 
•  doth  but  disavow  fortune,  and  seemeth  to  be  conscious  of 
his  own  want  in  worth,  and  doth  teach  others  to  envy 

him. 

Lastly,  to  conclude  this  part;    as  we  said  in  the  be- 


/ 


Of  Envy. 


19 


5     - 


"•  lr( 


tr 


I.'* 


.1  * 

I 


t 


^i 

^ 


4  ^ 

i 


*^. 


\ 


ginning,  that  the  act  of  envy  had  somewhat  in  it  of  witch- 
craft ;  so  there  is  no  other  cure  of  envy  but  the  cure  of 
witchcraft:  and  that  is,  to  remove  the  lot  (as  they  call  it), 
and  to  lay  it  upon  another.  For  which  purpose  the  wiser 
sort  of  great  persons  bring  in  ever  upon  the  stage  some- 
body upon  whom  to  derive  the  envy  that  would  come  upon 
themselves;  sometimes  upon  ministers  and  servants,  some- 
times upon  colleagues  and  associates,  and  the  like:  and, 
for  that  turn,  there  are  never  wanting  some  persons  of 
violent  and  undertaking  natures,  who,  so  they  may  have 
power  and  business,  will  take  it  at  any  cost. 

Now,  to  speak  of  public  envy :  there  is  yet  some  good 
in  public  envy,  whereas  in  private  there  is  none.  For 
public  envy  is  as  an  ostracism,  that  eclipseth  men  when 
they  grow  too  great:  and  therefore  it  is  a  bridle  also  to 
great  ones  to  keep  them  within  bounds. 

This  envy,  being  in  the  Latin  word  invidia,  goeth  in 
the  modern  languages  by  the  name  of  discontentment ;  of 
which  we  shall  speak  in  handling  sedition.  It  is  a  disease 
in  a  state  like  to  infection:  for  as  infection  spreadeth 
upon  that  which  is  sound,  and  tainteth  it;  so,  when  envy 
is  gotten  once  into  a  state,  it  traduceth  even  the  best 
actions  thereof,  and  turneth  them  into  an  ill  odour.  And 
therefore  there  is  little  won  by  intermingling  of  plausible 
actions:  for  that  doth  argue  but  a  weakness  and  fear  of 
envy ;  which  hurteth  so  much  the  more,  as  it  is  likewise 
usual  in  infections,  which,  if  you  fear  them,  you  call  them 

upon  you. 

This  public  envy  seemeth  to  beat  chiefly  upon  prin- 
cipal officers  or  ministers,  rather  than  upon  kings  and  es- 
tates themselves.  But  this  is  a  sure  rule,  that  if  the  envy 
upon  the  minister  be  great,  when  the  cause  of  it  in  him  is 
small ;  or  if  the  envy  be  general  in  a  manner  upon  all  the 
ministers  of  an  estate,  then  the  envy  (though  hidden)  is 
truly  upon  the  state  itself.  And  so  much  of  public  envy 
or  discontentment,  and  the  difierence  thereof  from  private 
envy,  which  was  handled  in  the  first  place. 

We  will  add  this  in  general,  touching  the  affection  of 
envy:  that  of  all  other  affections  it  is  the  most  importune 
and  continual.  For  of  other  affections  there  is  occasion 
given  but  now  and  then ;  and  therefore  it  was  well  said, 
Invidia  festos  dies  non  agit,  for  it  is  ever  working  upon 
some  or  other.  And  it  is  also  noted,  that  love  and  envy 
do  make  a  man  pine,  which  other  affections  do  not;  because 
thev  are  not  so  continual.  It  is  also  the  vilest  affection, 
^  c  2 


I 


I 


20  Essays. 

and  tlie  most  depraved ;  for  wliieh  cause  it  is  the  proper 
attribute  of  the  devil,  who  is  called,  the  envious  man  that 
soweth  tares  amongst  the  wheat  hy  night?  As  it  always 
cometh  to  pass,  that  envy  worketh  subtiUy,  and  in  the 
dark  ;  and  to  the  prejudice  of  good  things,  such  as  is  the 
wheat. 

X.    OF   LOVE. 

The  stage  is  more  beholding  to  love  than  the  life  of  man. 
For  as  to  the  stage,  love  is  ever  matter  of  comedies,  and 
,  now  and  then  of  tragedies ;   but  in  life  it  doth  much 
.mischief;  sometimes  like  a  siren,  sometimes  hke  a  tury. 
You  may  observe,  that  amongst  all  the  great  and  worthy 
*  persons  (whereof  the  memory  remaineth,  either  ancient  or 
'  recent),  there  is  not  one  that  hath  been  transported  to  the 
mad  degree  of  love ;  which  shows  that  great  spirits  and 
ffreat  business  do  keep  out  this  weak  passion.    You  must 
except,  nevertheless,  Marcus  Antonius,  the  half  partner  ot 
the  empire  of  Eome ;  and  Appius  Claudius,  the  decemvir 
and  law-giver ;  whereof  the  former  was  indeed  a  volup- 
tuous man,  and  inordinate ;  but  the  latter  was  an  austere 
and  wise  man:  and  therefore  it  seems  (though  rarely),  that 
love  can  find  entrance,  not  only  into  an  open  heart,  but 
also  into  a  heart  well  fortified,  if  watch  be  not  well  kept. 
It  is  a  poor  saying  of  Epicurus;  Satis  magnum  alter  alteri 
theatrum  sumiis:^  as  if  man,  made  for  the  contemplation 
of  heaven,  and  all  noble  objects,  should  do  nothmg  but 
kneel  before  a  Uttle  idol,  and  make  himself  subject,  though 
not  of  the  mouth  (as  beasts  are),  yet  of  the  eye,  which 
was  given  him  for  higher  purposes.    It  is  a  strange  thing 
to  note  the  excess  of  this  passion ;  and  how  it  braves  the 
nature  and  value  of  things ;  by  this,  that  the  speaking  in 
a  perpetual  hyperbole  is  comely  in  nothmg  but  m  love. 
Neither  is  it  merely  in  the  phrase ;  for  whereas  it  hatli 
been  well  said,  That  the  arch  flatterer,  with  whom  all  the 
petty  flatterers  have  intelligence,  is  a  mans  self;  certainly 
the  lover  is  more.    For  there  was  never  proud  man  thought 
so  absurdly  well  of  himself  as  the  lover  doth  of  the  person 
loved;  and  therefore  it  was  well  said.  That  it  is  impossible 


A 


'  Matth.  xiii.  24. 
»  Sen.  Epkt.  Mor.  1.  7.    (-^.  •£.  1-  iii-  6.) 


1 

i 


%         %1 


4 


f^ 


f 


0/  Love. 


21 


to  love  and  to  he  wise.^   Neither  doth  this  weakness  appear 
to  others  only,  and  not  to  the  party  loved,  but  to  the  loved 
most  of  all:  except  the  love  be  reciproque.    For  it  is  a  true 
rule,  that  love  is  ever  rewarded,  either  with  the  reciproque, 
or  with  an  inward  and  secret  contempt.  By  how  much  the 
more  men  ought  to  beware  of  this  passion,  which  loseth 
not  only  other  things,  but  itself.    As  for  the  other  losses, 
the  poet's  relation  doth  well  figure  them :  That  he  that 
j)ref erred  Helena,  quitted  the  gifts  of  Juno  and  Pallas :  - 
for  whosoever  esteemeth  too  much  of  amorous  affection  j* 
quitteth  both  riches  and  wisdom.     This  passion  hath  its^. 
floods  in  the  very  times  of  weakness,  which  are,  great 
prosperity  and  great  adversitjr;  though  this  latter  hath 
been  less  observed;  both  which  times  kindle  love,  and 
make  it  more  fervent,  and  therefore  show  it  to  be  the  child 
of  folly.     They  do  best,  who,  if  they  cannot  but  admit; 
love,  yet  make  it  keep  quarter;  and  sever  it  wholly  from? 
their  serious  affairs  and  actions  of  life  :  for  if  it  check  once., 
with  business,  it  troubleth men's  fortunes,  andmaketh  men 
that  they  can  no  ways  be  true  to  their  own  ends.     I  know 
not  how,  but  martial  men  are  given  to  love :  I  think  it  is,  , 
but  as  they  are  given  to  wine  ;  for  perils  commonly  ask  to 
be  paid  in  pleasures.    There  is  in  man's  nature  a  secret  , 
inclination  and  motion  towards  love  of  others,  which,  it  it 
be  not  spent  upon  some  one  or  a  few,  doth  naturally  spread 
itself  towards  many;  and  maketh  men  become  humane  and 
charitable ;  as  it  is  seen  sometimes  m  friars.    JSuptial  love 
maketh  mankind ;  friendly  love  perfecteth  it ;  but  wanton 

love  corrupteth  and  embaseth  it.  j 

■*■ 

XI.    OF   GREAT    PLACE. 

Men  in  ereat  place  are  thrice  servants :  servants  of  the 
sovereign  or  state ;  servants  of  fame;  and  servants  of 
business.  So  as  tliey  have  no  freedom,  neither  in  their 
persons  nor  in  their  actions,  nor  m  their  times.  It  is  a 
strange  desire  to  seek  power  and  to  lose  liberty ;  or  to  seek 
powe?  over  others,  and  to  lose  power  over  a  man  s  sell. 
The  rising  unto  place  is  laborious:  and  by  pams  men  come 
to  create?  pains;  and  it  is  sometimes  base;  and  by  m- 
dignities  men  come  to  dignities.    The  standmg  is  shppery, 


1 


9  Amare  et  sapere  vix  Beo  conceditur. 
{A.  L.  ii  prooe.  15.) 


Pub.  Syr.   Sent.   15. 


y 


22 


Essays, 


and  the  regress  is  either  a  downfal,  or  at  least  an  eclipse, 
which  is  a  melancholy  thing.  Cum  non  sis  qui  fueris,  non 
esse  cur  velis  vivere,  Nay  retire  men  cannot  when  they 
would ;  neither  will  they  when  it  were  reason :  but  are 
impatient  of  privateness  even  in  age  and  sickness,  wliich 
require  the  shadow :  like  old  townsmen,  that  will  be  still 
sitting  at  their  street  door,  though  thereby  they  offer  age 
to  scorn.  Certainly  great  persons  had  need  to  borrow 
other  men's  opinions  to  think  themselves  happy ;  for  if  they 
judge  by  their  own  feeling,  they  cannot  find  rt :  but  if  they 
think  with  themselves  what  other  men  think  of  them,  and 
that  other  men  would  fain  be  as  they  are,  then  they  are 
happy,  as  it  were,  by  report;  when,  perhaps,  they  find  the 
contrary  within.  For  they  are  the  first  that  find  their 
own  gnefs ;  though  they  be  the  last  that  find  their  own 
faults.  Certainly,  men  in  great  fortunes  are  strangers  to 
themselves,  and  while  they  are  in  the  puzzle  of  business 
they  have  no  time  to  tend[  their  health  either  of  body  or 
mind. 

Illi  mors  gravis  incubat, 

Qui  notus  niinis  omnibus, 

Ignotus  moritur  sibiJ 

In  place  there  is  licence  to  do  good  and  evil ;  whereof 
the  latter  is  a  curse ;  for  in  evil  the  best  condition  is  not 
to  will ;  the  second  not  to  can.  But  power  to  do  good  is 
the  true  and  lawful  end  of  aspiring.  For  good  thoughts 
(though  God  accept  them),  yet  towards  men  are  little 
better  than  good  dreams,  except  they  be  put  in  act ;  and 
that  cannot  be  without  power  and  place  ;  as  the  vantage  or 
commanding  ground.  Merit  and  good  works  is  the  end 
of  man's  motion ;  and  conscience  of  the  same  is  the  ac- 
complishment of  man's  rest.  For  if  a  man  can  be  partaker 
of  God's  theatre,  he  shall  likewise  be  partaker  of  God's 
rest.  Et  conversus  Deiis,  ut  adspiceret  opera  qucB  fecerunt 
nianus  suce,  vidit  quod  omnia  essent  bona  nimis;^  and  then 
the  sabbath.  In  the  discharge  of  thy  place  set  before  thee 
the  best  examples ;  for  imitation  is  a  globe  of  precepts. 
And  after  a  time  set  before  thee  thine  own  example ;  and 
examine  thyself  strictly  whether  thou  didst  not  best  at 
first.  Neglect  not  also  the  examples  of  those  that  have 
carried  themselves  ill  in  the  same  place :  not  to  set  off 
thyself  by  taxing  their  memory ;  but  to  direct  thyself  what 


1  Sen.  T/fi/est.  ii.  401. 


«  Gen.  i.  31. 


) 


^  [^ 


Hi   w  ^, 


•^ 


•^I   ^ 


^^<^ 


<^n 


<l  u 


i.       :1k      ^ 


0/  Great  Place. 


28 


to  avoid.    Eeform  therefore  without  bravery  or  scandal 
of  former  times  and  persons ;  but  yet  set  it  down  to  thyself, 
as  well  to   create    good  precedents   as  to   follow  them. 
Eeduce  things  to  the  first  institution,  and  observe  w^herem 
and  how  they  have  degenerate ;  but  yet  ask  counsel  of 
both  times ;  of  the  ancient  time  what  is  best ;  and  of  the 
latter   time   what  is  fittest.     Seek   to   make  thy  course 
regular  ;  that  men  may  know  beforehand  what  they  may 
expect:  but  be  not  too  positive  and  peremptory;    and 
express  thyself  well  when  thou  digressest  from  thy  rule. 
Preserve  the  right  of  thy  place,  but  stir  not  questions 
of  jurisdiction:  and  rather  assume  thy  right  in  silence,  and 
de  facto,  than  voice  it  with  claims  and  challenges.     Pre- 
serve likew  ise  the  rights  of  inferior  places ;  and  thmk  it 
more  honour  to  direct  in  chief  than  to  be  busy  m  all. 
Embrace  and  invite  helps  and  advices  touching  the  exe- 
cution of  thy  place  ;  and  do  not  drive  away  such  as  bring 
thee  information  as  meddlers,  but  accept  of  them  m  good 
part.     The  vices  of  authority  are  chiefly  four :  delays,  cor- 
ruption, roughness,  and  facility.     For  delays ;  give  easy 
access;  keep  times  appointed;  go  through  with  that  wJiicJi 
is  in  hand ;  and  interlace  not  busmess  but  ot  necessity. 
For  corruption,  do  not  only  bind  thine  own  hands  or  thyj 
servant's  hands  from  taking,  but  bind  the  hands  of  suitor^ 
also  from  offering.     For  integrity  used  doth  the  one ;  but 
integrity  professed,  and  with  a  manifest  detestation  ot 
bribery,  doth  the  other ;  and  avoid  not  only  the  fault,  but 
the  suspicion.   Whosoever  is  found  variable,  and  changeth 
manifestly  without  manifest  cause,  giveth  suspicion  of  cor- 
ruption.     Therefore,  always,  when  thou  changest  thme 
opinion  or  course,  profess  it  plainly,  and  declare  it,  together 
with  the  reasons  that  move  thee  to  change ;  and  do  not 
think  to  steal  it.  A  servant  or  a  favourite,  if  he  be  mward, 
and   no   other  apparent  cause  of   esteem,  is   commonly 
thought  but  a  by-way  to  close  corruption.   For  roughness, 
it  is  a  needless  cause  of  discontent :  severity  breedeth  fear, 
but  roughness  breedeth  hate.    Even  reproofs  from  au- 
thority, ought  to  be   grave,  and  not  tauntmg.    As  tor 
facility,  it  is  worse  than  bribery.     For  bribes  come  but 
now  and  then ;  but  if  importunity  or  idle  respects  lead  a 
man,  he  shall  never  be  without.    As  Solomon  saith;  lo 
respect  persons  is  not  good;  for  such  a  man  will  transgress 
for  a  piece  of  hread?    It  is  most  true  that  was  anciently 

^  Prov.  xxviii.  21. 


ill 


/\  /' 


u 


Essays. 


Of  Boldness. 


25 


Bpoken    A  place  showeth  the  man :'  and  it  showetli  some 
to  the  better  and  some  to  the  worse:  omnium  consensu, 
capax  imperil,  mst  imperasset,  saith  Tacitus  of  Galba:  but 
ot    Vespasian  he  saith ;  solus  imperantium,    Vespasianus 
mutatusm  melius.*    Though  the  one  was  meant  of  suffi- 
ciency   the  other  of  manners   and  affection.    It  is   an 
assured    sign   of  a  worthy  and  generous   spirit,   whom 
honour  amends.     For  honour  is,  or  should  be,  the  place  of 
virtue ;  and  as  m  nature  things  move  violently  to  their 
pJace.and  calmly  m  their  place;  so  virtue  in  ambition  is 
V  olent,  in  authority  settled  and  calm.    All  rising  to  great 
place  18  by  a  winding  stair;  and  if  there  be  factions,  it  is 
good  to  side  a  man's  self  whilst  he  is  in  the  rising ;  and  to 
balance  himself  when  he  is  placed.     Use  the  memory  of 
thy  predecessor  fairly  and  tenderly;  for  if  thou  dost  not. 
It  18  a  debt  will  sure  be  paid  when  thou  art  gone.    If 
thou  have  col  eagues  respect  them,  and  rather  caU  them 
when  they  look  not  for  it,  than  exclude  them  when  thev 
have  reason  to  look  to  be  called.    Be  not  too  sensible  or 
too  remembering  of  thy  place  in  conversation  and  private 
answers  to  suitors ;  but  let  it  rather  be  said,  When  he  sits 
m  place  he  is  another  man. 


XII.    OF  BOLDNESS. 

It  is  a  trivial  gramniar-school  text,  but  yet  worthy  a  wise 
mans  consideration.   Question  was  asked  of  Demosthenes 
what  was   he  chief  part  of  an  orator.P  he  answered,  Son 
whatnext.P  action.    What  next  again  .P  action.'  He  sad  it 
tha  knew  it  best ;  and  had  by  nattre  himself  no  fdvan  a4 
in  that  he  commended.  A  strange  thing,  that  that  part  of^n 
orator  which  is  but  superficial,  and  rither  the  viWe  of  a 
player,  should  be  placed  so  high  above  those  other  noble 
parts  of  invention,  elocution,  and  the  rest:  nay,  almost 
alone,  as  if  it  were  all  in  all.     But  the  reason  spTatn 
There  is  m  human  nature  generally  more  of  the  fool  thin 
of  the  wise    and  therefore  those  faculties  by  whTch  the 
foolish  part  of  men's  minds  is  taken,  are  most  potent 
Wonderful  like  is  the  case  of  boldness  in  ci^rLsbess 
what  first?  boldness:  what  second  and  third?  boEss' 


'  Tae.  Hist.  i.  49,  50.     (J.  L.  ii.  xii;.  5 ) 
Plut.  vit.  Lemoith.  17,  18. 


i 


r* 


1 


y 


Jr 


-i>i 


t 


And  yet  boldness  is  a  child  of  ignorance  and  baseness,  far 
inferior  to  other  parts.  But  nevertheless,  it  doth  fascinate, 
and  bind  hand  and  foot  those  that  are  either  shallow  in  judg- 
ment or  weak  in  courage,  which  are  the  greatest  part;  yea, 
and  prevaileth  with  wise  men  at  weak  times ;  therefore  we 
see  it  hath  done  wonders  in  popular  states,  but  with  senates 
and  princes  less ;  and  more,  ever  upon  the  first  entrance  of 
bold  persons  into  action,  than  soon  after ;  for  boldness  is 
an  ill  keeper  of  promise.  Surely,  as  there  are  mountebanks 
for  the  natural  body,  so  are  there  mountebanks  for  the 
politic  body  :  men  that  undertake  great  cures,  and  perhaps 
have  been  lucky  in  two  or  three  experiments,  but  want  the 
grounds  of  science,  and  therefore  cannot  hold  out ;  nay, 
vou  shall  see  a  bold  fellow  many  times  do  Mahomet's 
miracle.  Mahomet  made  the  people  believe  that  he  would 
call  a  hill  to  him,  and  from  the  top  of  it  offer  up  his  prayers 
for  the  observers  of  his  law.  The  people  assembled; 
Mahomet  called  the  hill  to  come  to  him  a.:^ain  and  again : 
and  when  the  hill  stood  still,  he  was  never  a  whit  abashed, 
but  said,  *  If  the  hill  will  not  come  to  Mahomet,  Mahomet 
will  go  to  the  hill.'  So  these  men,  when  they  have  promised 
great  matters  and  failed  most  shamefully,  yet  (if  they  have 
the  perfection  of  boldness),  they  will  but  slight  it  over,  and 
make  a  turn,  and  no  more  ado.  Certainly  to  men  of  great 
judgment,  bold  persons  are  a  sport  to  behold ;  nay,  and  to 
the  vulgar  also,  boldness  hath  somewhat  of  the  ridiculous: 
for  if  absurdity  be  the  subject  of  laughter,  doubt  you  not 
but  great  boldness  is  seldom  without  some  absurdity: 
especially  it  is  a  sport  to  see  when  a  bold  fellow  is  out  of 
countenance ;  for  that  puts  his  face  into  a  most  shrunken 
and  wooden  posture,  as  needs  it  must ;  for  in  bashfulness 
the  spirits  do  a  little  go  and  come ;  but  with  bold  men, 
upon  like  occasion,  they  stand  at  a  stay,  like  a  stale  at 
chess,  where  it  is  no  mate,  but  yet  the  game  cannot 
stir :  but  this  last  were  fitter  for  a  satire,  than  for  a  serious 
observation.  This  is  well  to  be  weighed,  that  boldness  is 
ever  blind ;  for  it  seeth  not  dangers  and  inconveniences : 
therefore  it  is  ill  in  counsel,  good  in  execution :  so  that  the 
right  use  of  bold  persons  is,  that  they  never  command  in 
chief,  but  be  seconds,  and  under  the  direction  of  others. 
For  in  counsel  it  is  good  to  see  dangers  ;  and  in  execution 
not  to  see  them,  except  they  be  very  great. 


2G  Essays, 


XIII.  OF  GOODNESS,  AND  GOODNESS  OF  NATURE. 

I  take  goodness  in  this  sense,  the  affecting  of  the  weal 
of  men,  which  is  that  the  Grecians  call  Philanthropia ;  and 
the  word  humanity  (as  it  is  used)  is  a  little  too  light  to  ex- 
press it.  Goodness  I  call  the  habit,  and  goodness  of  nature 
the  inclination.  This,  of  all  virtues  and  dignities  of  the 
mind,  is  the  greatest,  being  the  character  of  the  Deity ; 
and  without  it  man  is  a  busy,  mischievous,  wretched  thing, 
no  better  than  a  kind  of  vermJn.  Goodness  answers  to 
the  theological  virtue  charity,  and  admits  no  excess  but 
error.  -The  desire  of  power  in  excess  caused  the  angels  to 
fall ;  the  desire  of  knowledge  in  excess  caused  man  to  fall: 
but  in  charity  there  is  no  excess ;  neither  can  angel  or  man 
come  in  danger  by  it.  The  inclination  to  goodness  is  im- 
printed deeply  in  the  nature  of  man :  insomuch,  that  if  it 
issue  not  towards  men,  it  will  take  unto  other  living  crea- 
tures ;  as  it  is  seen  in  the  Turks,  a  cruel  people,  who 
nevertheless  are  kind  to  beasts,  and  give  alms  to  dogs  and 
birds :  insomuch,  as  Busbechius  reporteth,  a  Christian  boy 
in  Constantinople  had  like  to  have  been  stoned  for  gagging 
in  a  waggishnefes  a  long-billed  fowl.  Errors,  indeed,  in  this 
virtue  of  goodness  or  charity,  may  be  committed.  The 
Italians  have  an  ungracious  proverb ;  Tanto  huon  die  vol 
niente^  so  good,  that  he  is  good  for  nothing.  And  one  of 
the  doctors  of  Italy,  Nicholas  Machiavel,  had  the  confi- 
dence to  put  in  writing  almost  in  plain  terms.  That  the 
Christian  faith  had  given  up  good  men  in  prey  to  those  that 
are  tyrannical  and  unjust  :^  which  he  spake,  because,  in- 
deed, there  was  never  law,  or  sect,  or  opmion  did  so  much 
magnify  goodness  as  the  Christian  religion  doth.  Therefore, 
to  avoid  the  scandal,  and  the  danger  both,  it  is  good  to  take 
knowledge  of  the  errors  of  a  habit  so  excellent.  Seek  the 
good  of  other  men ;  but  be  not  in  bondage  to  their  faces 
or  fancies:  for  that  is  but  facility  or  softness,  which  taketh 
an  honest  mind  prisoner.  Neither  give  thou  -<^sop's  cock 
a  gem,  who  would  be  better  pleased  and  happier  if  he  had 
had  a  barley-corn.  The  example  of  God  teacheth  the  lesson 
truly:  He  sendeth  his  rain^  and  maketh  his  sun  to  shine 
upon  the  just  and  the  unjust;''  but  he  doth  not  rain  wealth, 
nor  shine  honour  and  virtues  upon  men  equally.    Common 


^ 


f  ■*"' 


1 


Of  Goodness,  and  Goodness  of  Nature.  Sii 

benefits  are  to  be  communicate  with  all;   but  peculiar 
benefits  with  choice.     And  beware  how  in  making  the 
portraiture  thou  breakest  the  pattern :  for  divinity  maketh 
the  love  of  ourselves  the  pattern,  the  love  of  our  neigh- 
bours but  the  portraiture.     Sell  all  thou  hast,  and  give  it 
to  the  poor,  and  follow  me:^  but  sell  not  all  thou  hast,  except 
thou  come  and  follow  me;  that  is,  except  thou  have  a  voca- 
tion wherein  thou  mayst  do  as  much  good  with  little  means 
as  with  great :  for  otherwise,  in  feeding  the  streams,  thou 
driest  the  fountain.    Neither  is  there  only  a  habit  of  good- 
ness directed  by  right  reason ;  but  there  is  in  some  men, 
even  in  nature,  a  disposition  towards  it :  as,  on  the  other 
side,  there  is  a  natural  malignity.     For  tl^ere  be  that  in 
their  nature  do  not  affect  the  good  of  others.     The  lighter 
sort  of  malignity  turneth  but  to  a  crossness,  or  froward- 
ness,  or  aptness  to  oppose,  or  diflScileness,  or  the  like ;  but 
the  deeper  sort  to  envy,  and  mere  mischief     Such  men  in 
other  men's  calamities  are,  as  it  were,  in  season,  and  are 
ever  on  the  loading  part :  not  so  good  as  the  dogs  that 
licked  Lazarus'  sores,  but  like  flies  that  are  still  buzzing 
upon  any  thing  that  is  raw ;  misanthropi,  that  make  it 
their  practice  to  bring  men  to  the  bough,  and  yet  have 
never  a  tree  for  the  purpose  in  their  gardens,  as  Timon 
had.     Such   dispositions  are  the  very  errors   of  human 
nature,  and  yet  they  are  the  fittest  timber  to  make  great 
politics  of;  like  to  knee  timber,  that  is  good  for  ships  that 
are  ordained  to  be  tossed,  but  not  for  building  houses  that 
shall  stand  firm.     The  parts  and  signs  of  goodness  are 
many.     If  a  man  be  gracious  and  courteous  to  strangers, 
it  shows  he  is  a  citizen  of  the  world,  and  that  his  heart  is 
no  island  cut  off  from  other  lands,  but  a  continent  that 
joins  to  them.     If  he  be  compassionate  towards  the  afflic- 
tions of  others,  it  shows  that  his  heart  is  like  the  noble  tree 
that  is  wounded  itself  when  it  gives  the  balm.    If  he  easily 
pardons  and  remits  offences;  it  shows  that  his  mindis planted 
above  injuries,  so  that  he  cannot  be  shot.   If  he  be  thankful 
for  small  benefits,  it  shows  that  he  weighs  men's  minds, 
and  not  their  trash.    But,  above  all,  if  he  have  Saint  Paul's 
perfection,  that  he  would  wish  to  be  an  anathema  from 
Christ,  for  the  salvation  of  his  brethren,^  it  shows  much 
of  a  divine  nature,  and  a  kind  of  conformity  with  Christ 
himself. 


®  Vid.  Disc.  sop.  Liv.  ii.  2. 


'  Matth.  V.  45. 


«  Mark  x.  21. 


*  Rom.  ix.  3. 


-0 


Essays, 


Of  Nobility. 


29 


XIV.    OF  NOBILITY. 

"We  will  speak  of  nobility  first  as  a  portion  of  an 
estate ;  then  as  a  condition  of  particular  persons.  A 
monarchy,  where  there  is  no  nobility  at  all,  is  ever  a  pure 
and  absolute  tyranny,  as  that  of  the  Turks :  for  nobility 
attempers  sovereignty,  and  draws  the  eyes  of  the  people 
somewhat  aside  from  the  line  royal.  But  for  democracies 
they  need  it  not ;  and  they  are  commonly  more  quiet,  and 
less  subject  to  sedition,  than  where  there  are  stirps  of 
nobles;  for  men's  eyes  are  upon  the  business,  and  not 
upon  the  .persons ;  or  if  upon  the  persons,  it  is  for  the 
business'  sake,  as  fittest,  and  not  for  flags  and  pedigree. 
We  see  the  Switzers  last  well,  notwithstanding  their 
diversity  of  religion  and  of  cantons ;  for  utility  is  their 
bond,  and  not  respects.  The  United  Provinces  of  the  Low 
Countries  in  their  government  excel :  for  where  there  is 
an  equality  the  consultations  are  more  indifferent,  and 
the  payments  and  tributes  more  cheerful.  A  great  and 
potent  nobility  addeth  majesty  to  a  monarch,  but  dimi- 
nisheth  power ;  and  puttetn  life  and  spirit  into  the  people, 
but  presseth  their  fortune.  It  is  well  when  nobles  are  not 
too  great  for  sovereignty  nor  for  justice ;  and  yet  main- 
tained in  that  height,  as  the  insolency  of  inferiors  may  be 
broken  upon  them  before  it  come  on  too  fast  upon  the 
majesty  of  kings.  A  numerous  nobility  causeth  poverty 
and  inconvenience  in  a  state,  for  it  is  a  surcharge  of  ex- 
pense ;  and  besides,  it  being  of  necessity  that  many  of  the 
nobility  fall  in  time  to  be  weak  in  fortune,  it  maketh  a  kind 
of  disproportion  between  honour  and  means. 

As  for  nobility  in  particular  persons ;  it  is  a  reverend 
thing  to  see  an  ancient  castle,  or  building  not  in  decay;  or 
to  see  a  fair  timber-tree  sound  and  perfect;  how  much 
more  to  behold  an  ancient  noble  family,  which  hath  stood 
against  the  waves  and  weathers  of  time  ?  For  new  nobility 
is  but  the  act  of  power ;  but  ancient  nobility  is  the  act  of 
time.  Those  that  are  first  raised  to  nobility,  are  commonly 
more  virtuous,  but  less  innocent,  than  their  descendants; 
for  there  is  rarely  any  rising  but  by  a  commixture  of  good 
and  evil  arts.  But  it  is  reason  the  memory  of  their  virtues 
remain  to  their  posterity,  and  their  faults  die  with  them- 
selves. Nobility  of  birth  commonly  abateth  industry;  and 
he  that  is  not  industrious,  envieth  him  that  is.     Besides, 


X  > 


iJ 


,*' 


\ 


.■\ 


V 


noHe  persons  cannot  go  much  higher;  and  lie  that  standeth 
at  a  stay  when  others  rise,  can  hardly  avoid  motions  ot 
envv  On  the  other  side,  nobility  extingmsheth  the  passive 
envy  from  others  towards  them,  because  they  are  in  posses- 
sion of  honour.  Certainly,  kings  that  have  able  men  of 
their  nobility  shall  find  ease  in  employing  them,  and  a 
better  sUde  into  their  business;  for  people  naturaUy  bend 
to  them  as  born  in  some  sort  to  command. 


XV.    OP   SEDITIONS   AND   TROUBLES. 

Shepherds  of  people  had  need  knowthe  calendars  of  tern- 
Bests  in  state,  which  are  commonly  greatest  when  things 
?row  to  equality;  as  natural  tempests  are  greatest  about 
the  equinoctia.  And  as  there  are  certain  hoUo^v  blasts  of 
winfand  secret  swelUngs  of  seas,  before  a  tempest,  so  are 
there  in  states : 

lUe  etiam  Cfficos  instare  tumultus 
Sape  monet,  fraudesque  et  operta  tumescere  bella. 

Libels  and  licentious  discourses  against  t^^e  ^tate,  when 
they  are  frequent  and  open;  and  la, like  sort  false  news 
often  running  up  and  down,  to  the  disadvantage  of 
State  and  hastily  embraced,  are  amongst  the  signs  of 
Irouble?'  Virgil,  giving  the  pedigree  of  Fame,  saith  she 
was  sister  to  the  giants : 

lUam  Terra  parens,  ira  irritata  Deorum, 
Eitremam  (ut  perhibent)  Cso  Enceladoque  sororem 

Progenuit.' 
A  a  if  fames  were  the  relics  of  seditions  past ;  but  they 
nrfno  C^s  indeed  the  preludes  of  seditions  to  come.  How- 
soever  he  noteth  it  right,  that  seditious  tumults  and  seditious 
fames  dfffer  no  morl  but  as  brother  and  sister,  masculme 
aTfeSne;  especially  if  it  come  to  that,  that  the  best 
actions  of  a  state,  and  the  most  plausible,  and  winch  ought 
to  S  greatest  contentment,  are  taken  in  Ul  ^en^e,  ajid 
traduced  for  that  shows  the  envy  great  as  Tacitus  saith. 
Jo^ata  magna  invidia,  seu  bene,  seu  male,  gesta  ^premunt? 

.r.       ^  '  A(Kv.  '  Virff.  ^n.  iv.  179. 

:  JSiu?Ses  sStre  aceepta  et  inviso  -mel  prin.pi  seu  beue 
seu  Sacta  pra^minuit.    Tac.  HiH.  i.  7.    (Walther.) 


I 


<30 


Essays, 


V 


Of  Seditions  and  Troubles. 


31 


Neither  doth  it  follow,  that  because  these  fames  are  a  sign 
of  troubles,  that  the  suppressing  of  them  with  too  rnuch 
severity  should  be  a  remedy  of  troubles.  For  the  despising 
of  them  many  times  checks  them  best ;  and  the  going  about 
to  stop  them  doth  but  make  a  wonder  long  lived.  Also  that 
kind  of  obedience,  which  Tacitus  speaketh  of,  is  to  be  held 
suspected ;  Erant  in  officio,  sed  tamen  qui  mallent  irn/pe- 
rantium  mandata  interpretari,  quam  exsequi  ;^  disputing, 
excusing,  cavilling  upon  mandates  and  directions,  is  a  kind 
of  shaking  off  the  yoke,  and  assay  of  disobedience:  espe- 
cially if  in  those  disputings  they  which  are  for  the  direc- 
tion speak  fearfully  and  tenderly ;  and  those  that  are  against 
it  audaciously. 

Also,  as  Machiavel  noteth  well,  when  princes,  that 
ought  to  be  common  parents,  make  themselves  as  a  party, 
and  lean  to  a  side,  it  is  as  a  boat  that  is  overthrown  by  un- 
even weight  on  the  one  side ;  as  was  well  seen  in  the  time 
of  Henry  the  Third  of  France  :  for  first  himself  entered 
league  for  the  extirpation  of  the  Protestants  ;  and  presently 
after  the  same  league  was  turned  upon  himself.  For  when 
the  authority  of  princes  is  made  but  an  accessary  to  a 
cause,  and  that  there  be  other  bands  that  tie  faster  than 
the  band  of  sovereignty,  kings  begin  to  be  put  almost  out 
of  possession. 

Also,  when  discords,  and  quarrels,  and  factions  are 
carried  openly  and  audaciously,  it  is  a  sign  the  reverence 
of  government  is  lost.  For  the  motions  of  the  greatest 
persons  in  a  government  ought  to  be  as  the  motions  of  the 
planets  \mdiev  primum  mobile,  according  to  the  old  opinion, 
which  is,  that  every  of  them  is  carried  swiftly  by  the 
highest  motion,  and  softly  in  their  own  motion.  And, 
therefore,  when  great  ones  in  their  own  particular  motion 
move  violently,  and,  as  Tacitus  expresseth  it  well,  liberius 
quam  ut  imperantium  meminissent,  it  is  a  sign  the  orbs  are 
out  of  frame.  For  reverence  is  that  wherewith  princes 
are  girt  from  God,  who threateneth  the  dissolving  thereof; 
solvam  cingula  regum.^ 

A  So  when  any  of  the  four  pillars  of  government  are 
mainly  shaken,  or  weakened  (which  are  religion,  justice, 
;counsel,  and  treasure),  men  had  need  to  pray  for  fair 
weather.  But  let  us  pass  from  this  part  of  predictions 
(concerning  which,  nevertheless,  more  light  may  be  taken 


f 


V 


\t 


M 


from  that  which  followeth),  and  let  us  speak  first  of  the 
Materials  of  seditions  ;  then  of  the  motives  of  them;  and 
thirdly  of  the  remedies. 

Concerning  the  materials  of  seditions,  it  is  a  thmg 
well  to  be  considered  ;  for  the  surest  way  to  prevent  sedi- 
tions (if  the  times  do  bear  it)  is  to  take  away  the  matter  of 
them.  For  if  there  be  fuel  prepared,  it  is  hard  to  tell 
whence  the  spark  shall  come  that  shall  set  it  on  fire.  The 
matter  of  seditions  is  of  two  kinds ;  much  poverty  and 
much  discontentment.  It  is  certain,  so  many  overthrown 
estates,  so  many  votes  for  troubles.  Lucan  noteth  well 
the  state  of  Rome  before  the  civil  war : 

Hinc  usura  vorax,  rapidumque  in  tempore  foeuus, 
Hinc  concussa  fides,  et  multis  utile  bellum.« 

This   same   multis  utile  bellum  is  an  assured  and  in- 
fallible sign  of  a  state  disposed  to  seditions  and  troubles. 
And  if  this  poverty  and  broken  estate,  in  the  better  sort  be 
loined  with  a  want  and  necessity  in   the  mean  people, 
the  danger  is  imminent  and  great.     For  the  rebellions  of 
the  belly  are  the  worst.    As  for  discontentments,  they  are 
in  the  politic  body  like  to  humours  in  the  natural,  which 
are  apt  to  gather  a  preternatural  heat  and  to  inflame.  And 
let  no  prince  measure  the  danger  of  them  by  this  ;  whether 
they  be  just  or  unjust ;  for  that  were  to  imagine  people  to 
be  too  reasonable ;  who  do  often  spurn  at  their  own  good : 
nor  yet  by  this  ;  whether  the  griefs  whereupon  they  rise 
be  in  fact  great  or  small :  for  they  are  the  most  dangerous 
discontentments  where  the  fear  is  greater  than  the  feeling, 
dolendi  modus,  timendi  non  item.     Besides,  m  great  oppres- 
sions, the  same  things  that  provoke  the  patience,  do  withal 
mate' the  courage :  but  in  fears  it  is  not  so.    ISTeither  let 
any  prince,  or  state,  be  secure  concerning  discontentments, 
because  they  have  been  often,  or  have  been  long,  and  yet 
no  peril  hath  ensued ;  for  as  it  is  true  that  every  vapour, 
or  ftime,  doth  not  turn  into  a  storm ;  so  it  is  nevertheless 
true,  that  storms,  though  they  blow  over  divers  times,  yet 
may  fall  at  last ;  and,  as  the  Spanish  proverb  noteth  well, 
The  cord  breaketh  at  the  last  by  the  wealcest  pull. 

The  causes  and  motives  of  seditions  are,  innovation 
in  religion,  taxes,  alteration  of  laws  and  customs,  breaking 
of  privileges,  general  oppression,  advancement  of  unworthy 


Tac.  Hist,  ii.  39. 


*  Job  xii.  18. 


6  Lucaa.  Fhars.  i.  181. 


32 


Essays. 


Of  Seditions  and  Troubles, 


38 


/ 


.  persons,  strangers,  dearths,  disbanded  soldiers,  factions 
;  ^  grown  desperate ;  and  whatsoever  in  offending  people 
'    ^oineth  and  knitteth  them  in  a  common  cause. 

f  For  the  remedies ;  there  may  be  some  general  preser- 
Tatives,  whereof  we  will  speak ;  as  for  the  just  cure,  it  must 
answer  to  the  particular  disease :  and  so  be  left  to  coimsel 
rather  than  rule. 

The  first  remedy,  or  prevention,  is  to  remove,  by  all 
means  possible,  that  material  cause  of  sedition  whereof 
we  spake;  which  is,  want  and  poverty  in  the  estate.     To 
which  purpose  serveth  the  opening  and  well  balancing  of 
trade ;  the  cherishing  of  manufactures ;  the  banishing  of 
idleness;  the  repressing  of  waste  and  excess  by  sumptuary 
laws ;  the  improvement  and  husbanding  of  the  soil,  the 
regulating  of  prices  of  things  vendible  ;  the  moderating  of 
taxes  and  tributes,  and  the  like.     Generally,  it  is  to  be 
foreseen  that  the  population  of  a  kingdom  (especially  if  it 
be  not  mown  down  by  wars),  do  not  exceed  the  stock  of  the 
kingdom  which   should   maintain   them:    neither  is   the 
population  to  be  reckoned  only  by  number :  for  a  smaller 
number  that  spend  more  and  earn  less,  do  wear  out  an 
estate  sooner  than  a  greater  number  that  Hve  lower  and 
gather  more ;  therefore  the  multiplying  of  nobility,  and 
other  degrees  of  quality,  in  an  over  proportion  to  the  com- 
mon people,  doth  speedily  bring  a  state  to  necessity :  and 
so  doth  likewise  an  overgrown  clergy;   for  they  bring 
nothing  to  the  stock  :  and  in  like  manner,  when  more  are 
bred  scholars  than  preferments  can  take  off. 
•  ,    It  is  likewise  to  be  remembered,  that,  for  as  much  as 
the  increase  of  any  estate  must  be  upon  the  foreigner  (for 
whatsoever  is  somewhere  gotten,  is  somewhere  lost),  there 
be  but  three  things  which  one  nation  selleth  unto  another ; 
/  the  commodity,  as  nature  yieldeth  it ;  the  manufacture  • 
and  the  vecture,  or  carriage.  So  that,  if  these  three  wheelsgo', 
wealth  will  flow  as  in  a  spring  tide.     And  it  cometh  many 
times  to  pass,  that  materiam  superahit  opus  J  that  the  work 
and  carriage  is  worth  more  than  the  material,  and  enricheth 
a  state  more ;  as  is  notably  seen  in  the  Low  Countrymen, 
who  have  the  best  mines  above  ground  in  the  world. 

Above  all  things,  good  policy  is  to  be  used,  that  the 
treasure  and  monies  m  a  state  be  not  gathered  into  few 
hands  :  for,  otherwise,  a  state  may  have  a  great  stock,  and 


\ 

r        *f 
i 

V  -  .^^ 

1 

I. 


'i 


'  Ovid.  Mel.  ii.  5. 


A 


yet  starve.  And  money  is  like  muck,  not  good  except  it  be 
spread.  This  is  done  chiefly  by  suppressing,  or,  at  the  least, 
keeping  a  straight  hand  upon  the  devouring  trades  of  usury, 
engrossing,^  great  pasturages,  and  the  like. 

For  removing  discontentments,  or  at  least  the  danger 
of  them ;  there  is  in  every  state  (as  we  know)  two  por- 
tions of  subjects,  the  noblesse  and  the  commonalty.  When 
one  of  these  is  discontent,  the  danger  is  not  great ;  for 
common  people  are  of  slow  motion,  if  they  be  not  excited 
by  the  greater  sort;  and  the  greater  sort  are  of  small 
strength,  except  the  multitude  be  apt  and  ready  to  move 
of  themselves.  Then  is  the  danger,  when  the  greater  sort 
do  but  wait  for  the  troubhng  of  the  waters  amongst  the 
meaner,  that  then  they  may  declare  themselves.  The  poets 
feign  that  the  rest  of  the  gods  would  have  bound  Jupiter ; 
which  he  hearing  of  by  the  counsel  of  Pallas  sent  for 
Briareus  with  his  hundred  hands  to  come  in  to  his  aid.^  An 
emblem,  no  doubt,  to  show  how  safe  it  is  for  monarchs  to 
make  sure  of  the  good  will  of  common  people. 

To  give  moderate  liberty  for  griefs  and  discontentments 
to  evaporate  (so  it  be  without  too  great  insolency  or 
bravery)  is  a  safe  way.  For  he  that  turneth  the  humours 
back,  and  maketh  the  wound  bleed  inwards,  endangereth 
ulcers  and  pernicious  imposthumations. 

The  part  of  Epimetheus  might  well  become  Prome- 
theus, in  the  case  of  discontentments ;  for  there  is  not  a 
better  provision  against  them.  Epimetheus,  when  griefs 
and  evils  flew  abroad,  at  last  shut  the  lid,  and  kept  Hope 
in  the  bottom  of  the  vessel.  Certainly  the  pohtic  and 
artificial  nourishing  and  entertaining  of  hopes,  and  carry- 
ing men  from  hopes  to  hopes,  is  one  of  the  best  antidotes 
against  the  poison  of  discontentments.  And  it  is  a  certain 
sign  of  a  wise  government  and  proceeding,  when  it  can 
hold  men's  hearts  by  hopes,  when  it  cannot  by  satisfaction: 
and  when  it  can  handle  things  in  such  a  manner  as  no  evil 
shall  appear  so  peremptory  but  that  it  hath  some  outlet  of 

8  Sometimes  printed  engrossing  great  pasturages.  But  by  en- 
grossing  is  meant  the  trade  of  engrossers— m(in  ^^llo  buy  up  all  that 
can  be  got  of  a  particular  commodity,  then  raise  the  price.  By  great 
pasturages  is  meant  turning  corn  land  into  pasture.  Of  this  prac- 
tice great  complaints  had  been  made  for  near  a  century  before  Bacon  s 
time;  and  a  law  passed  to  prevent  it.     See  Lord  Herbert  of  Cher- 

burv's  Histoiy  of  Henry  VIII.  ,    ^   ..  .      , 

9  Horn.  //.  i.  398.    A.  L.  u.  iv.  4. 


I 


34- 


Essays, 


Of  Seditions  and  Troubles, 


35 


% 


hope  :  whicli  is  the  less  hard  to  do,  because  both  particular 
persons  and  factions  are  apt  enouf]jh  to  flatter  themselves, 
or  at  least  to  brave  that  which  they  believe  not. 

Also  the  foresight  and  prevention,  that  there  be  no 
likely  or  fit  head  whereunto  discontented  persons  may 
resort,  and  under  whom  they  may  join,  is  a  known  but  an 
excellent  point  of  caution.  I  understand  a  fit  head  to  be 
one  that  hath  greatness  and  reputation  ;  that  hath  confi- 
dence with  the  discontented  party;  and  upon  whona  they 
turn  their  eyes ;  and  that  is  thought  discontented  in  his 
own  particular ;  which  kind  of  persons  are  either  to  be  won 
and  reconciled  to  the  state,  and  that  in  a  fast  and  true 
manner ;  or  to  be  fronted  with  some  other  of  the  same 
party  that  may  oppose  them,  and  so  divide  the  reputation. 
Generally,  the  dividing  and  breaking  of  all  factions  and 
combinaiions  that  are  adverse  to  the  state,  and  setting 
them  at  distance,  or  at  least  distrust  amongst  themselves, 
is  not  one  of  the  worst  remedies.  For  it  is  a  desperate 
case,  if  those  that  hold  with  the  proceeding  of  the  state  be 
full  of  discord  and  faction  ;  and  those  that  are  against  it  be 
entire  and  united. 

I  have  noted,  that  some  witty  and  sharp  speeches,  which 
have  fallen  from  princes,  have  given  fire  to  seditions. 
Cajsar  did  himself  infinite  hurt  in  that  speech;  Sylla 
nescivit  literas,  nonpotuit  diet  are, ^  for  it  did  utterly  cut  off 
that  hope  which  men  had  entertained,  that  he  would  at  one 
time  or  other  give  over  his  dictatorship.  Galba  undid  him- 
self by  that  speech,  legi  a  se  militem,  7ion  emi;^  for  it  put 
the  soldiers  out  of  hope  of  the  donative.  Probus,  likewise, 
by  that  speech ;  si  vixero,  non  opus  erit  amjdius  Romano 
imperio  militibus  :''^  a  speech  of  great  despair  for  the  soldiers, 
and  many  the  like.  Surely  princes  had  need,  in  tender 
matters  and  ticklish  times,  to  beware  what  they  say;  espe- 
cially in  these  short  speeches,  which  fly  abroad  like  darts, 
and  are  thought  to  be  shot  out  of  their  secret  intentions. 
For  as  for  large  discourses,  they  are  flat  things,  and  not 
so  much  noted. 

Lastly,  let  princes,  against  all  events,  not  be  without 
some  great  person,  one  or  rather  more,  of  military^  valour, 
near  unto  them,  for  the  repressing  of  seditions  in  their 
beginnings.  For  without  that,  there  useth  to  be  more 
trepidation  in  court  upon  the  first  breaking  out  of  troubles 

*  Suet.  vit.  C.  Jul.  Cces.  77.  i.  and  cf.  J.  L.  i.  vii.  12. 

2  Tac.  Hist.  i.  5.  '  Flav.  Von.  vit.  Frob.  20. 


1 


i 


I 


u 


U 


than  were  fit.  And  the  state  runneth  the  danger  of  that 
which  Tacitus  saith,  atqueis  habitus  animorumfuit  ut  peS' 
si  mum  f acinus  auderent  pauci  plures  vellent  omnes  pate^ 
rentur,"^  But  let  such  military  persons  be  assured,  and  well 
reputed  of,  rather  than  factious  and  popular ;  holding  also 
good  correspondence  with  the  other  great  men  in  the  state; 
or  else  the  remedy  is  worse  than  the  disease. 


XVI.    OF    ATHEISM.* 

I  had  rather  believe  all  the  fables  in  the  legend,  and 
the  Talmud,  and  the  Alcoran,  than  that  this  universal  frame 
is  without  a  mind.  And,  therefore,  God  never  wrought 
miracle  to  convince  atheism,  because  his  ordinary  works 
convince  it.  It  is  true,  that  a  little  philosophy  inclineth 
man's  mind  to  atheism ;  but  depth  in  philosophy  bringeth 
men's  minds  about  to  religion :  for  while  the  mind  of  man 
looketh  upon  second  causes  scattered,  it  may  sometimes 
rest  in  them,  and  go  no  further ;  but  when  it  beholdeth 
the  chain  of  them  confederate,  and  linked  together,  it  must 
needs  fly  to  Providence  and  Deity.  Nay,  even  that  school 
which  is  most  accused  of  atheism,  doth  most  demonstrate 
rehgion  ;  that  is,  the  school  of  Leucippus,  and  Democritus, 
and  Epicurus.  For  it  is  a  thousand  times  more  credible, 
that  four  mutable  elements  and  one  immutable  fifth  essence, 
duly  and  eternally  placed,  need  no  God,  than  that  an  army 
of  infinite  small  portions,  or  seeds  unplaced,  should  have 
produced  this  order  and  beauty  without  a  divine  marshal. 
The  scripture  saith.  The  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart,  there  is 
no  God:  it  is  not  said.  The  fool  hath  thought  in  his  heart  :^ 
so  as  he  rather  saith  it  by  rote  to  himself,  as  that  he  would 
have,  than  that  he  can  thoroughly  beheve  it,  or  be  persuaded 
of  it.  For  none  deny  there  is  a  God  but  those  for  whom 
it  maketh  that  there  were  no  God,  It  appeareth  in  nothing 
more,  that  atheism  is  rather  in  the  lip  than  in  the  heart  of 
man,  than  by  this  ;  that  atheists  will  ever  be  talking  of  that 
their  opinion,  as  if  they  fainted  in  it  within  themselves, 
and  would  be  glad  to  be  strengthened  by  the  consent  of' 
others;  nay  more,  you  shall  have  atheists  strive  to  get 
disciples,  as  it  fareth  with  other  sects  :  and,  which  is  most 


*  Hist.  i.  28. 
*  T^ere  is  a  discourse  under  this  title  in  the  Meditationes  Sacra 
but  no  similarity  between  the  two.  ®  Psal.  xiv.  1. 

d2 


/ 


"^^ 

* 


36 


Essays, 


\  of  all,  you  shall  have  of  them  that  will  suffer  for  atheism, 
\  and  not  recant ;  whereas,  if  they  did  truly  think  that  there 
\were  no  such  thing  as  God,  why  should  they  trouble  them- 
jselves  ?  Epicurus  is  charged,  that  he  did  but  dissemble  for 
nis  credit's  sake,  when  he  affirmed  there  were  blessed 
natures,  but  such  as  enjoyed  themselves  without  having 
respect  to  the  government  of  the  world.  Wherein  they 
say  he  did  temporize,  though  in  secret  he  thought  there 
was  no  God.  But  certainly  he  is  traduced ;  for  his  words 
are  noble  and  divine  :  Non  Deos  vulgineg are  prof anum,  sed 
vulgi  opiniones  Diis  applicare  profanum?  Plato  could 
have  said  no  more.  And,  although  he  had  the  confidence 
to  deny  the  administration,  he  had  not  the  power  to  deny 
the  nature.  The  Indians  of  the  west  have  names  for  their 
particular  gods,  though  they  have  no  name  for  God  :  as  if 
the  heathens  should  have  had  the  names  Jupiter,  Apollo, 
Mars,  etc.,  but  not  the  word  Deus ;  which  shows  that  even 
those  barbarous  people  have  the  notion,  though  they  have 
not  the  latitude  and  extent  of  it.  So  that  against  atheists 
the  very  savages  take  part  with  the  very  subtilest  philoso- 
phers. The  contemplative  atheist  is  rare ;  a  Diagoras,  a 
Bion,  a  Lucian,  perhaps,  and  some  others ;  and  yet  they 
seem  to  be  more  than  they  are  ;  for  that  all  that  impugn  a 
received  rehgion,  or  superstition,  are,  by  the  adverse  part, 
branded  with  the  name  of  atheists.  But  the  great  atheists 
indeed  are  hypocrites  ;  which  are  ever  handling  holy  tilings, 
but  without  feeling ;  so  as  they  must  needs  be  cauterized  in 
the  end.  The  causes  of  atheism  are  ;  divisions  in  religion, 
if  they  be  many;  for  any  one  main  division  addeth  zeal  to 
botli  sides;  but  many  divisions  introduce  atheism.  Another 
is  scandal  of  priests ;  when  it  is  come  to  that  which  St. 
Bernard  saith,  non  est  jam  dicere  ut  populus  sic  sacerdos; 
quia  nee  sic  populus,  ut  sacerdos.  A  third  is  a  custom  of 
profane  scoffing  in  holy  matters;  which  doth  by  little  and 
little  deface  the  reverence  of  religion.  And,  lastly,  learned 
times  especially  with  peace  and  prosperity:  for  troubles 
and  adversities  do  more  bow  men's  minds  to  religion.  They 
that  deny  a  God  destroy  man's  nobility :  for  certainly  man 
is  of  kin  to  the  beasts  by  his  body;  and,  if  he  be  not  of  kin 
to  God  by  his  spirit,  he  is  a  base  and  ignoble  creature.  It 
destroys  likewise  magnanimity,  and  the  raising  of  human 
nature;  for  take  an  example  of  a  dog,  and  mark  what  a 
generosity  and  courage  he  will  put  on  when  he  finds  him- 

'  Diog.  Laert.  x.  123. 


%. 


\ 


-;—  -  i 

Of  Atheism.  37 

self  maintained  by  a  man ;  who  to  him  is  instead  of  a  God, 

or  meltor  natura;  which  courage  is  manifestly  such  as  . 

that  creature,  without  that  confidence  of  a  better  nature 

tHan  his  own,  could  never  attain.   So  man,  when  he  resteth 

and  assureth  himself  upon  divine  protection  and  favour, 

gathereth  a  force  and  faith,  which  human  nature  in  itself 

could  not  obtain.     Therefore,  as  atheism  is  in  aU  respects 

natetul,  so  in  this,  that  it  depriveth  human  nature  of  the 

means  to  exalt  itself  above  human  frailty.     As  it  is  in 

particular  persons,  so  it  is  in  nations :  never  was  there 

such  a  state  for  magnanimity  as  Eome.     Of  this  state  hear 

what  Gicero  saith ;  Qluam  volumus,  licet,  Patres  conscripti, 

nos  amemus;  tamen  nee  numero  Hispanos,  nee  rohore  Gallos, 

nee  calliditate  Posnos,  nee  artibus  GrcBcos,  nee  denique  hoc 

ipso  hujus  gentis  et  terrce  domestico  nativoque  sensu  Italos 

tpsos  et  Latinos;  sed  pietate,  ac  religione,  at  que  liac  unx 

sapientic,  quod  Beorum  immortalium  numine  omnia  regi, 

guhernarique  perspeximus,  omnes  gentes,  nationesque  super- 
avimus,^ 

XVII.    OF  SUPERSTITION. 

It  were  better  to  have  no  opinion  of  God  at  all,  than  such 
an  opinion  as  is  unworthy  of  him ;  for  the  one  is  unbelief, 
the  other  is  contumely:  and  certainly  superstition  is 
the  reproach  of  the  Deity.  Plutarch  saith  well  to  that 
purpose  :  Surely,  saith  he,  I  had  rather  a  great  deal  men 
should  say  there  was  no  such  man  at  all  as  Plutarch,  than 
that  they  should  say  there  was  one  Plutarch  that  would  eat 
his  children  as  soon  as  they  were  horn,^  as  the  poets  speak 
of  Saturn.  And,  as  the  contumely  is  greater  towards  God, 
80  the  danger  is  greater  towards  men.  Atheism  leaves  a 
man  to  sense,  to  philosophy,  to  natural  piety,  to  laws,  to 
reputation ;  all  which  may  be  guides  to  an  outward  moral 
virtue,  though  religion  were  not;  but  superstition  dis- 
mounts all  these,  and  erecteth  an  absolute  monarchy  in  the 
minds  of  men.  Therefore  atheism  did  never  perturb  states ; 
for  it  makes  men  wary  of  themselves,  as  looking  no  farther: 
and  we  see  the  times  inclined  to  atheism  (as  the  time  of 
Augustus  Caesar)  were  civil  times.  But  superstition  hath 
been  the  confusion  of  many  states ;  and  bringeth  m  a  new 
primum  mobile,  that  ravisheth  all  the  spheres  of  govern- 
ment.    The  master  of  superstition  is  the  people ;  and  in 


m 


*  Cic.  de  Ear,  Res^,  9. 


Plut.  De  Superstit,  x. 


I 


38 


-z: L  .1 


J^ssays. 


Of  Travel 


39 


all  superstition  wise  men  follow  fools  ;  and  artrnments  are 
fitted  to  practice  in  a  reversed  order.     It  was  gravely  said 
by  some  of  the  prelates  in  the  council  of  Trent,  where  the 
doctrine  of  the  schoolmen  bare  ffreat  sway,  that  the  school- 
men were  hke  astronomers,  which  did  feign  eccentrics  and 
epycicles,  and  such  engines  of  orbs,  to  save  the  phsenomena, 
though  they  knew  there  were  no  such  things  ;  and,  in  like 
manner,  that  the  schoolmen  had  framed  a  number  of  subtile 
and  intricate  axioms  and  theorems  to  save  the  practice  of 
the  church.     The  causes  of  superstition  are  :  pleasing  and 
sensual  rites  and  ceremonies  :  excess  of  outward  and  pha- 
risaical  holiness  :  over  great  reverence  of  traditions,  which 
cannot  but  load  the  church :  the  stratagems  of  prelates  for 
their  own  ambition  and  lucre  :  the  favouring  too  much  of 
good  intentions,  which  openeth  the  gate  to  conceits  and 
novelties  :  the  taking  an  aim  at  divine  matters  by  human, 
which  cannot  but  breed  mixture  of  imaginations:    and, 
lastly,  barbarous  times,  especially  joined  with  calamities 
and  disasters.     Superstition,  without  a  veil,  is  a  deformed 
thing :  for  as  it  addeth  deformity  to  an  ape  to  be  so  like  a 
man,  so  the  similitude  of  superstition  to  religion  makes  it 
the  more  deformed.     And,  as  wholesome  meat  corrupteth 
to  little  worms,  so  good  forms  and  orders  corrupt  into  a 
number  of  petty  observances.     There  is  a  superstition  in 
avoiding  superstition,  when  men  think  to  do  best  if  they 
go  furthest  from  the  superstition  formerly  received :  there- 
fore care  would  be  had  that  (as  it  fareth  in  ill  purgings)  the 
good  be  not  taken  away  with  the  bad ;  which  commonly  is 
done  when  the  people  is  the  reformer. 

XVIII.    OF   TRAVEL. 

Travel,  in  the  younger  sort,  is  a  part  of  education ;  in 
the  elder,  a  part  of  experience.  He  that  travelleth  into  a 
country,  before  he  hath  some  entrance  into  the  language, 
goeth  to  school,  and  not  to  travel.  That  young  men  travel 
imder  some  tutor,  or  grave  servant,  I  allow  well ;  so  that 
lie  be  such  a  one  that  hath  the  language,  and  hath  been  in 
the  country  before ;  whereby  he  may  be  able  to  tell  them 
what  things  are  worthy  to  be  seen  in  the  country  where 
they  go,  what  acquaintances  they  are  to  seek,  what  exer- 
cises or  discipline  the  place  yieldeth.  For  else  young 
men  shall  go  hooded,  and  look  abroad  little.  It  is  a  strange 
thing  that  in  sea  voyages,  whore  there  is  nothing  to  be 
seen^but  sky  and  sea,  men  should  make  diaries  ;  but  in  land 


i« 


f 


i 


travel,  wherein  so  much  is  to  be  observed,  for  the  most 
part  they  omit  it ;  as  if  chance  were  fitter  to  be  registered 
than  observation.  Let  diaries,  therefore,  be  brought  inl 
use.  The  things  to  be  seen  and  observed  are :  the  courts 
of  princes,  especially  when  they  give  audience  to  ambas- 
sadors :  the  courts  of  justice,  while  they  sit  and  hear 
causes :  and  so  of  consistories  ecclesiastic ;  the  churches 
and  monasteries,  with  the  monuments  which  are  therein 
extant ;  the  walls  and  fortifications  of  cities  and  towns,  and 
80  the  liavens  and  harbours ;  antiquities  and  ruins ;  libraries, 
colleges,  disputations,  and  lectures,  where  any  are ;  ship- 
ping and  navies  ;  houses  and  gardens  of  state  and  pleasure, 
near  great  cities  ;  armories,  arsenals,  magazines,  exchanges, 
burses,  warehouses ;  exercises  of  horsemanship,  fencing, 
training  of  soldiers,  and  the  like ;  comedies,  such  where- 
unto  the  better  sort  of  persons  do  resort  -,  treasuries  of 
jewels  and  robes  ;  cabinets  and  rarities  :  and,  to  conclude, 
whatsoever  is  memorable  in  the  places  where  they  go: 
after  all  which  the  tutors  or  servants  ought  to  make  diligent 
inquiry.  As  for  triumphs,  masks,  feasts,  weddings,  funerals, 
capital  executions,  and  such  shows,  men  need  not  to  be  put 
in  mind  of  them  :  yet  are  they  not  to  be  neglected.  If  you 
will  have  a  young  man  to  put  his  travel  into  a  little  room, 
and  in  short  time  to  gather  much,  this  you  must  do  :  first, 
as  was  said,  he  must  have  some  entrance  into  the  language 
before  he  goeth ;  then  he  must  have  such  a  servant,  or 
tutor,  as  knoweth  the  country,  as  was  likewise  said.  Let 
him  carry  with  him  also  some  card,  or  book,  describing  the 
country  where  he  travelleth ;  which  will  be  a  good  key  to 
his  inquiry.  Let  him  keep  also  a  diary.  Let  him  not  stay 
long  in  one  city  or  town,  more  or  less  as  the  place  deserveth, 
but  not  long :  nay,  when  he  stayeth  in  one  city  or  town, 
let  him  change  his  lodging  from  one  end  and  part  of  the 
town  to  another,  which  is  a  great  adamant  of  acquaintance. 
Let  him  sequester  himself  from  the  company  of  his  coun- 
trymen, and  diet  in  such  places  where  tnere  is  good  com- 
pany of  the  nation  where  he  travelleth.  Let  him,  upon 
Lis  removes  from  one  place  to  another,  procure  recommen- 
dation to  some  person  of  quality  residing  in  the  place 
whither  he  removeth;  and  he  may  use  his  favour  in  those 
things  he  desireth  to  see  or  know.  Thus  he  may  abridge 
his  travel  with  much  profit.  As  for  the  acquaintance  which 
is  to  be  sought  in  travel,  that  which  is  most  of  all  profit- 
able is  acquaintance  with  the  secretaries  and  employed 
men  of  ambassadors  ;  for  so  in  travelling  in  one  country  he 


40 


Essays. 


shall  suck  the  experience  of  many.  Let  hira  also  see  and 
visit  eminent  persons  in  all  kinds,  which  are  of  great  name 
abroad,  that  he  may  be  able  to  tell  how  the  life  a^reeth 
with  the  fame.  For  quarrels,  they  are  with  care  and  dis- 
cretion to  be  avoided  ;  they  are  commonly  for  mistresses, 
healths,  pi 'ice,  and  words.  And  let  a  man  beware  how  he 
keepeth  company  with  choleric  and  quarrelsome  persons  ; 
for  they  will  eno^aofe  him  into  their  own  quarrels.  When 
a  traveller  returneth  home,  let  him  not  leave  the  countries 
where  he  hath  travelled  altogether  behind  him ;  but  main- 
tain a  correspondence  by  letters  with  those  of  his  acquaint- 
ance which  are  of  most  worth.  And  let  his  travel  appear 
rather  in  discourse  than  in  his  apparel  or  gesture  ;  and  in 
his  discourse  let  him  be  rather  advised  in  his  answers  than 
forward  to  tell  stories  :  and  let  it  appear  that  he  doth  not 
chanu^e  his  country  manners  for  those  of  foreign  parts  :  but 
only  prick  in  some  flowers  of  that  he  hath  learned  abroad 
into  the  customs  of  his  own  country. 

XIX,    OF   EMPIRE. 

It  is  a  miserable  state  of  mind  to  have  few  things  to 
desire,  and  many  things  to  fear ;  and  yet  that  commonly 
is  the  case  of  kings,  who  being  at  the  highest,  want  matter 
of  drsire,  which  makes  their  minds  more  languishing ;  and 
have  many  representations  of  perils  and  shadows,  which 
makes  their  minds  the  less  clear.     And  this  is  one  reason 
also  of  that  effect  which  the  scripture  speaketh  of,  that  the 
kings  heart  is  inscrutable}     For  multitude  of  jealousies, 
and  lack  of  some  predominant  desire,  that  should  marshal 
and  put  in  order  all  the  rest,  maketh  any  man's  heart  hard 
to  find  or  sound.     Hence  it  comes,  likewise,  that  princes 
many  times  make  themselves  desires,  and  set  their  hearts 
upon  toys;  sometimes  upon  a  building;  sometimes  upon 
erecting  of  an  order ;  sometimes  upon  the  advancing  of  a 
person ;  sometimes  upon  obtaining  excellence  in  some  art, 
or  feat  of  the  hand ;  as  Nero  for  playing  on  the  harp  • 
Domitian  for  certainty  of  the  hand  with  the  arrow ;  Coml 
modus  for  playing  at  fence  ;  Caracalla  for  driving  chariots; 
and  the  like.     This  seemeth  incredible  unto  those  that 
know  not  the  principle,  that  the  mind  of  man  is  more 
cheered  and  refreshed  by  profiting  in  small  things,  than  by 

'  Prov.  XXV.  3. 


■y 


"•  % 


t 


^ 


Of  Emjyire. 

standing  at  a  stay  in  great.  We  see  also  that  kings  that 
have  been  fortunate  conquerors  in  their  first  years,  it  being 
not  possible  for  them  to  go  forward  infinitely,  but  that  they 
must  have  some  check  or  arrest  in  their  fortunes,  turn  in 
their  latter  years  to  be  superstitious  and  melancholy :  as 
did  Alexander  the  Great,  Diocletian,  and  in  our  memory 
Charles  the  Fifth,  and  others,  for  he  that  is  used  to  go 
forward,  and  findeth  a  stop,  falleth  out  of  his  own  favour, 
and  is  not  the  thing  he  was.  * 

To  speak  now  of  the  true  temper  of  empire :  it  is  a 
thing  rare  and  hard  to  keep;  for  both  temper  and  distemper 
consist  of  contraries ;  but  it  is  one  thing  to  mingle  con- 
traries, another  to  interchange  them.  The  answer  of 
Apollonius  to  Vespasian  is  full  of  excellent  instruction : 
Vespasian  asked  him,  what  was  Nero's  overthrow  ?  He 
answered,  Nero  could  touch  and  tune  the  harp  well,  but 
in  government  sometimes  he  used  to  wind  the  pins  too 
high,  sometimes  to  let  them  down  too  low.^  And  certam 
it  is,  that  nothing  destroyeth  authority  so  much  as  the 
unequal  and  untimely  interchange  of  power  pressed  too 
far,  and  relaxed  too  much. 

This  is  true,  that  the  wisdom  of  all  these  latter  times 

in  princes'  affairs,  is  rather  fine  deliveries,  and  shiftings  of 

dangers  and  mischiefs,  when  they  are  near  than  solid  and 

grounded  courses  to  keep  them  aloof.     But  this  is  but  to 

try  masteries  with  fortune.   And  let  men  beware  how  they 

neglect  and  suffer  matter  of  trouble  to  be  prepared ;  for  no 

man  can  forbid  the  spark,  nor  tell  whence  it  may  come.  The 

diflSculties  in  princes'  business  are  many  and  great ;  but  the 

^  o-reatest  difficulty  is  often  in  their  own  mind.     For  it  is 

i  common  with  princes  (saith  Tacitus)  to  will  contradictories. 

i  Sunt  plerumque  regum  voluntates  vehementes,  et  inter  se 

♦  contraricB.^    For  it  is  the  solecism  of  power  to  think  to 

'  command  the  end,  and  yet  not  to  endure  the  mean. 

'         Kings  have  to  deal  with  their  neighbours,  their  wives, 

their  children,  their  prelates  or  clergy,  their  nobles,  their 

^    second  nobles  or  gentlemen,  their  merchants,  their  com- 

^  nons,  and  their  men  of  war ;  and  from  all  these  arise 

r  iangers,  if  care  and  circumspection  be  not  used. 

t      First,  for  their  neighbours ;  there  can  no  general  rule 

'  )e  given  (the  occasions  are  so  variable),  save  one,  which 


ei. 


!1 


c 


2  Philost.  vit.  Apoll  Tyan.  v.  28. 
»  Quoted  rightly  A.  L.  ii.  xxii.  5.  from  Sallust  {B,  J.  113.) 


/ 


Essays. 


t 


ever  holdeth,  which  is,  that  princes  do  keep  due  sentinel, 
that  none  of  their  neighbours  do  overgrow  so  (by  increase 
of  territory,  by  embracing  of  trade,  by  approaches,  or  the 
like),  as  they  become  more  able  to  annoy  them  than  they 
were.  And  tliis  is  generally  the  work  of  standing  counsels 
to  foresee  and  to  hinder  it.  Durino^  that  triumvirate  of 
kings,  king  Henry  the  Eighth  of  England,  Francis  the  J 
First,  king  of  France,  and  Charles  the  Fifth,  emperor,  there  ( 
was  such  a  watch  kept  that  none  of  the  three  could  win  a 
palm  of  ground,  but  the  other  two  would  straightwhys 
balance  it,  either  by  confederation,  or,  if  need  were,  by  a 
war  :  and  would  not  in  any  wise  take  up  peace  at  interest. 
And  the  like  was  done  by  that  league  (which  Guicciardini 
saith  was  the  security  of  Italy),  made  between  Ferdinando, 
king  of  Naples,  Lorenzius  Medicis,  and  Ludovicus  Sforza, 
potentates,  the  one  of  Florence,  the  other  of  Milan.  Neither 
is  the  opinion  of  some  of  the  schoolmen  to  be  received,  that 
a  war  cannot  justly  be  made,  but  upon  a  precedent  injury  or 
provocation.  For  there  is  no  question,  but  a  just  fear  of 
an  imminent  danger,  though  there  be  no  blow  given,  is  a 
lawful  cause  of  a  war. 

For  their  wives  ;  there  are  cruel  examples  of  them.  Livia 
is  infamed  for  the  poisoning  of  her  husband :  Roxolana, 
Solyman's  wife,  was  the  destruction  of  that  renowned 
prince,  Sultan  Mustapha,  and  otherwise  troubled  his  house 
and  succession :  Edward  the  Second  of  England's  queen 
had  the  principal  hand  in  the  deposing  and  murder  of  her 
husband.  This  kind  of  danger  is  then  to  be  feared  chiefly 
when  the  wives  have  plots  for  the  raising  of  their  own 
children,  or  else  that  they  be  advoutresses.  ' 

For  their  children,  the  tragedies  likewise  of  dangers 
from  them  have  been  many  :  and  generally  the  entering  of^ 
the  fathers  into  suspicion  of  their  children  hath  been  ever 
unfortunate.    The  destruction  of  Mustapha  (that  we  named 
before)  was  so  fatal  to  Solyman's  line,  as  the  succession  of 
the  Turks  from  Solyman  until  this  day  is  suspected  to  bo 
imtrue,  and  of  strange  blood  ;  for  that  Selymus  the  Second  ^ 
was  thought  to  be  supposititious.      The   destruction   of  JP 
Crispus,  a  young  prince  of  rare  towardness,  by  Constantinus 
the  Great,  his  father,  was  in  like  manner  fatal  to  his  house  ;  / 
for  both  Constantinus  and  Constance,  his  sons,  died  violent  I 
deaths ;  and  Constantius,  his  other  son,  did  little  better.  I 
who  died  indeed  of  sickness,  but  after  that  Julianus  had 
taken  arms  against  him.     The  destruction  of  Demetrius, 
son  to  Philip  the  Second  of  Macedon,  turned  upon  the( 


)i 


> 


#  ^ 


\ 


Of  Empire,  43 

father,  who  died  of  repentance.  And  many  like  examples 
tJiere  are  ;  but  few  or  none  where  the  fathers  had  good  by 
such  distrust,  except  it  were  where  the  sons  were  up  in 
open  arms  against  them ;  as  was  Selymus  the  First  against 
En  Tand  ^^""^^  ^^""^  of  Henry  the  Second  king  of 

For  their  prelates,  when  they  are  proud  and  great, 
there  IS  also  danger  from  them;  as  it  was  in  the  times  of 
Anselmus  and  Ihomas  Becket,  archbishops  of  Canterbury, 
WHO  with  their  crosiers  did  almost  try  it  with  the  kin/'s 
sword,  and  yet  they  had  to  deal  with  stout  and  haughty 
kings  William  Eufus,  Henry  the  First,  and  Henry  the 
second.  I  he  danger  is  not  from  that  state,  but  where  it 
iiatJi  a  dependence  of  foreign  authority;  or  where  the 
ciiurclimen  come  in  and  are  elected,  not  by  the  collation  of 
tJie  king  or  particular  patrons,  but  by  the  people. 

-tor  their  nobles,  to  keep  them  at  a  distance  it  is  not 
amiss ;  but  to  depress  them  may  make  a  king  more  absolute, 
but  less  safe,  and  less  able  to  perform  anything  that  he 
desires  I  have  noted  it  in  my  History  of  king  Henry  the 
Seventh  of  England,  who  depressed  his  nobility ;  where- 
upon  it  came  to  pass  that  his  times  were  full  of  difficulties 
and  troubles ;  for  the  nobility,  though  they  continued  loyal 
unto  him,  yet  did  they  not  cooperate  with  him  m  his 
business.  So  that  in  effect  he  was  fain  to  do  aU  thincrg 
himself.  ^ 

For  their  second  nobles,  there  is  not  much  danger 
trom  them,  bemg  a  body  dispersed.  Thev  may  sometimes 
discourse  high,  but  that  doth  little  hurt:  besides,  they  are 
a  counterpoise  to  the  higher  nobility,  that  they  grow  not 
too  potent:  and,  lastly,  being  the  most  immediate  in 
authority  with  the  common  people,  they  do  best  temper 
popular  commotions. 

For  their  merchants,  they  are  vena  porta;  and  if  they 
flourish  not,  a  kingdom  may  have  good  limbs,  but  will  they 
empty  veins,  and  nourish  little.  Taxes  and  imposts 
upon  them  do  seldom  good  to  the  king's  revenue ;  for  that 
which  he  wins  m  the  hundred  he  leeseth  in  the  shire ;  the 
particular  rates  being  increased,  but  the  total  bulk  of 
trading  rather  decreased. 

For  their  commons,  there  is  little  danger  from  them, 
except  it  be  where  they  have  great  and  potent  heads ;  or 
where  you  meddle  with  the  point  of  religion,  or  their 
customs,  or  means  of  life. 

For  their  men  of  war,  it  is  a  dangerous  state  where 


44. 


Essays, 


Of  Counsel, 


45 


they  live  and  remain  in  a  body,  and  are  used  to  donatives, 
whereof  we  see  examples  in  the  janizaries  and  praBtorian 
bands  of  Eome ;  but  traininj^s  of  men,  and  armino;  them  in 
several  places  and  under  several  commanders,  and  without 
donatives,  are  things  of  defence  and  no  danger. 

Princes  are  like  to  heavenly  bodies,  which  cause  good 
or  evil  times ;  and  which  have  much  veneration,  but  no 
rest.  All  precepts  concerning  kings  are  in  effect  com- 
prehended in  those  two  remembrances  :  memento  quod  es 
homo ;  and  memento  quod  es  Deus,  or  vice  Dei :  the  one 
bridleth  their  power,  and  the  other  their  will. 


XX.    OF   COUNSEL. 

The  greatest  trust  between  man  and  man  is  the  trust  of 
giving  counsel.  For  in  other  confidences  men  commit 
the  parts  of  life,  their  lands,  their  goods,  their  children, 
their  credit,  some  particular  affair ;  but  to  such  as  they 
make  their  counsellors  they  commit  the  whole :  by  how 
much  the  more  they  are  obliged  to  all  faith  and  integrity. 
The  wisest  princes  need  not  think  it  any  diminution  to 
their  greatness,  or  derogation  to  their  sufficiency  to  rely 
upon  counsel.  God  himself  is  not  without ;  but  hath  made 
it  one  of  the  great  names  of  his  blessed  Son,  The  Coun- 
seJlor.*  Solomon  hath  pronounced  that  in  counsel  is 
stability}  Things  will  have  their  first  or  second  agitation ; 
if  they  be  not  tossed  upon  the  arguments  of  counsel,  they 
will  be  tossed  upon  the  waves  of  fortune ;  and  be  full  of 
inconstancy,  doing  and  undoing,  like  the  reeling  of  a 
drunken  man.  Solomon's  son  found  the  force  of  counsel, 
as  his  father  saw  the  necessity  of  it.  For  the  beloved 
kingdom  of  God  was  first  rent  and  broken  by  ill  counsel ; 
upon  which  counsel  there  are  set  for  our  instruction  the 
two  marks  whereby  bad  counsel  is  for  ever  best  discerned: 
that  it  was  young  counsel  for  the  persons;  and  violent 
counsel  for  the  matter. 

The  ancient  times  do  set  forth  in  figure  both  the  in- 
corporation and  inseparable  conjunction  of  counsel  with 
kings,  and  the  wise  and  politic  use  of  counsel  by  kings : 
the  one  in  that  they  say  Jupiter  did  marry  Metis,  which 
signifieth  counsel ;  whereby  they  intend  that  sovereignty 


^^ 


I 


I 


►A 


is  married  to  counsel ;  the  other  in  that  which  folio  we  th, 
which  was  thus :  they  say,  after  Jupiter  was  married  to 
Metis,  she  conceived  by  him  and  was  with  child;  but 
Jupiter  suffered  her  not  to  stay  till  she  brought  forth,  but 
eat  her  up ;  whereby  he  became  himself  with  child,  and 
was  delivered  of  Pallas  armed  out  of  his  head.^  Which 
monstrous  fable  containeth  a  secret  of  empire  ;  how  kings 
are  to  make  use  of  their  council  of  state :  that  first,  they 
ought  to  refer  matters  unto  them,  which  is  the  first  beget- 
ting or  impregnation;  but  when  they  are  elaborate,  moulded, 
and  shaped  in  the  womb  of  their  council,  and  grow  ripe  and 
ready  to  be  brought  forth,  that  then  they  suffer  not  their 
council  to  go  through  with  the  resolution  and  direction,  as 
if  it  depended  on  them ;  but  take  the  matter  back  into  their 
own  hands,  and  make  it  appear  to  the  world,  that  the  de- 
crees and  final  directions  (which,  because  they  come  forth 
with  prudence  and  power,  are  resembled  to  Pallas  armed) 
proceeded  from  themselves,  and  not  only  from  their 
authority,  but  (the  more  to  add  reputation  to  themselves) 
from  their  head  and  device. 

Let  us  now  speak  of  the  inconveniences  of  counsel,  and 
of  the  remedies.  The  inconveniences  that  have  been  noted 
in  calling  and  using  counsel  are  three.  First,  the  revealing 
off  affairs,  whereby  they  become  less  secret.  Secondly, 
the  weakening  of  the  authority  of  princes,  as  if  they  were 
less  of  themselves.  Thirdly,  the  danger  of  being  unfaith- 
fully counselled,  and  more  for  the  good  of  them  that  counsel 
than  of  him  that  is  counselled.  For  which  inconveniences, 
the  doctrine  of  Italy,  and  practice  of  France  in  some  kings' 
times,  hath  introduced  cabinet  councils ;  a  remedy  worse 
than  the  disease. 

As  to  secresy,  princes  are  not  bound  to  communicate 
all  matters  with  all  counsellors,  but  may  extract  and  select. 
Neither  is  it  necessary,  that  he  that  conSulteth  what  he 
should  do,  should  declare  what  he  will  do.  But  let  princes 
beware  that  the  unsecreting  of  their  affairs  comes  not  from 
themselves.  And,  as  for  cabinet  councils,  it  may  be  their 
motto,  plenus  rimarumsum:^  one  futile  person  that  maketh 
it  his  glory  to  tell  will  do  more  hurt  than  many  that  know 
it  their  duty  to  conceal.  It  is  true  there  be  some  affairs 
which  require  extreme  secrecy,  which  will  hardly  go  beyond 
one  or  two  persons  besides  the  king :  neither  are  those 


*  Isai.  ix.  6. 


*  Prov.  XX.  18. 


A. 


•  Hesiod.  Tkeo^.  886. 


7  Ter.  JEun,  I.  ii.  25. 


46 


Essays, 


counsels  nnprosperous  ;  for,  besides  the  secrecy,  tliey  com- 
monly go  on  constantly  in  one  spirit  of  direction  without 
distraction.  But  then  it  must  be  a  prudent  king,  such  as 
is  able  to  grind  with  a  hand  mill ;  and  those  inward  coun- 
sellors had  need  also  be  wise  men,  and  especially  true  and 
trusty  to  the  king's  ends ;  as  it  was  with  king  Henry  the 
Seventh  of  England,  who  in  his  greatest  business  imparted 
himself  to  none,  except  it  were  to  Morton  and  Fox. 

For  weakening  of  authority ;  the  fable  showeth  the 
remedy.  Nay,  the  majesty  of  kings  is  rather  exalted  than 
diminished  when  they  are  in  the  chair  of  council ;  neither 
was  there  ever  prince  bereaved  of  his  dependencies  by  his 
council,  except  w4iere  there  hath  been  either  an  over  great- 
ness in  one  counsellor,  or  an  over  strict  combination  in 
divers  .  which  are  things  soon  found  and  holpen. 

For  the  last  inconvenience,  that  men  will  counsel  with 
an  eye  to  themselves  ;  certainly,  non  inveniet  fidem  super 
terram^  is  meant  of  the  nature  of  times,  and  not  of  all  par- 
ticular persons.  There  be  that  are  in  nature  faithful  and 
sincere,  and  plain  and  direct ;  not  crafty  and  involved :  let 
princes,  above  all,  draw  to  themselves  such  natures. 
JBesides,  counsellors  are  not  commonl}^  so  united,  but  that 
one  counsellor  keepeth  sentinel  over  another ;  so  that  if 
any  do  counsel  out  of  faction  or  private  ends,  it  commonly 
comes  to  the  king's  ear.  But  the  best  remedy  is,  if  princes 
know  their  counsellors,  as  well  as  their  counsellors  know 
them : 

Principis  est  virtus  maxima  nosse  suos. 

And  on  the  other  side,  counsellors  should  not  be  too 
speculative  into  their  sovereign's  person.  The  true  com- 
position of  a  counsellor  is  rather  to  be  skilful  in  his 
master's  business  than  in  his  nature ;  for  then  he  is  like  to 
advise  him,  and  not  to  feed  his  humour.  It  is  of  sintmlar 
use  to  princes  if  they  take  the  opinions  of  their  council 
both  separately  and  together ;  for  private  opinion  is  more 
free,  but  opinion  before  others  is  more  reverend.  In  private, 
men  are  more  bold  in  their  own  humours;  and  in  consort 
men  are  more  obnoxious  to  others'  humours ;  therefore  it 
is  good  to  take  both :  and  of  the  inferior  sort  rather  in 
private,  to  preserve  freedom  ;  and  of  the  greater,  rather 
m  consort,  to  preserve  respect.  It  is  in  vain  for  princes  to 
take  counsel  concerning  matters,  if  they  take  no  counsel 


®  Luke  xviii.  8. 


Of  Counsel, 


47 


<: 


0    '-.J 


N 


likewise  concerning, persons;  for  all  matters  are  as  dead 
images ;  and  the  life  of  the  execution  of  affairs  resteth  in 
the  good  choice  of  persons.  Neither  is  it  enough  to  con- 
sult concerning  persons,  secundum  genera,  as  in  an  idea  of 
mathematical  description,  what  the  kind  and  character  the 
person  should  be ;  for  the  greatest  errors  are  committed, 
and  the  most  judgment  is  shown,  in  the  choice  of  in- 
dividuals. It  was  truly  said,  optimi  con^iliarii  mortui: 
books  will  speak  plain  when  counsellors  blanch.  There- 
fore it  is  good  to  be  conversant  in  them,  specially  the  books 
of  such  as  themselves  have  been  actors  upon  the  stage. 

The  councils  at  this  day  in  most  places  are  but  familiar 
meetings ;  where  matters  are  rather  talked  on  than  debated : 
and  they  run  too  swift  to  the  order  or  act  of  council.     It 
were  better  that  in  causes  of  weight  the  matter  were  pro- 
pounded one  day  and  not  spoken  to  till  the  next  day ;  in 
node  consilium^     So  was  it  done  in  the  commission  of 
union  between  England  and  Scotland ;  which  was  a  grave 
and  orderly  assembly.     I  commend  set  days  for  petitions  : 
for  both  it  gives  the  suitors  more  certainty  for  their  atten- 
dance ;  and  it  frees  the  meetings  for  matters  of  estate,  that 
they  may  Jioc  agere.     In  choice  of  committees  for  ripeniog 
business  for  the  council,  it  is  better  to  choose  indifferent 
persons  than  to  make  an  indifferency  by  putting  in  those 
that  are  strong  on  both  sides.     I  commend  also,  standing 
commissions  ;  as  for  trade,  for  treasure,  for  war,  for  suits, 
for  some  provinces ;  for  w^here  there  be  divers  particular 
councils,  and  but  one  council  of  estate  (as  it  is  in  Spain), 
they  are,  in  efiect,  no  more  than  standing  commissions ; 
save  that  they  have  greater  authority.     Let  such  as  are 
to  inform  councils  out  of  their  particular  professions  (as 
lawyers,  seamen,  mint-men,  and  the  like),  be  first  heard 
before  committees ;  and  then,  as  occasion  serves,  before 
the  council.     And  let  them  not  come  in  multitudes,  or  in 
a  tribunitious  manner ;  for  that  is  to  clamour  councils,  not 
to  inform  them.     A  long  table  and  a  square  table,  or  seats 
about  the  walls,  seem  things  of  form,  but  are  things  of 
substance ;  for  at  a  long  table  a  few  at  the  upper  end,  in 
effect,  sway  all  the  business :  but  in  the  other  form  there 
is  more  use  of  the  counsellors'  opinions  that  sit  lower.     A 
king,  w^hen  he  presides  in  council,  let  him  beware  how  he 
opens  his  own  inclination  too  much  in  that  which  he  pro- 


*  iv  vvKTi  (iovXrj.     Gaisf.  Far,  Gr.  B.  359. 


48 


Essays. 


poundeth :  for  else  counsellors  will  but  take  the  wind  of 
him,  and  instead  of  giving  free  counsel,  will  sing  him  a  song 
o^  placebo, 

XXI.    OF   DELAYS. 

Fortune  is  like  the  market,  where  many  times,  if  you 
can  stay  a  little,  the  price  will  fall.  And  again,  it  is  some- 
times like  Sibylla's  offer,  which  at  first  oflereth  the  com- 
modity at  full,  then  consumeth  part  and  part,  and  still 
holdeth  up  the  price.  For  occasion  (as  it  is  in  the  common 
verse)  turneth  a  bald  noddle  after  she  hath  presented  her 
locks  in  front,  and  no  hold  taken ;  or,  at  least,  turneth  the 
handle  of  the  bottle  first  to  be  received,  and  after  the  belly 
which  is  hard  to  clasp.^  There  is  surely  no  greater  wisdom 
than  well  to  time  tjie  beginnings  and  onsets  of  things. 
Dangers  are  no  more  light,  if  they  once  seem  light :  and 
more  dangers  have  deceived  men  than  forced  them.  Nay, 
it  were  better  to  meet  some  dangers  half  way,  though  they 
come  nothing  near,  than  to  keep  too  long  a  watch  upon 
their  approaches  ;  for  if  a  man  watch  too  long,  it  is  odds  he 
will  fall  asleep.  On  the  other  side,  to  be  deceived  with  too 
long  shadows  (as  some  have  been  when  the  moon  was  low 
and  shone  on  their  enemies'  back),  and  so  to  shoot  off 
before  the  time ;  or  to  teach  dangers  to  come  on  by  over 
early  buckling  towards  them,  is  another  extreme.  The 
ripeness  or  unripeness  of  the  occasion  (as  we  said),  must 
ever  be  well  weighed ;  and  generally  it  is  good  to  commit 
the  beginnings  of  all  great  actions  to  Argus  with  his 
hundred  eyes,  and  the  ends  to  Eriareus  with  his  hundred" 
hands  :  first  to  watch,  and  then  to  speed.  For  the  helmet 
of  Pluto,^  which  maketh  the  politic  man  go  invisible,  is 
secrecy  in  the  counsel,  and  celerity  in  the  execution.  For 
when  things  are  once  come  to  the  execution,  there  is  no 
secrecy  comparable  to  celerity ;  like  the  motion  of  a  bullet 
in  the  air,  which  flieth  so  swift  as  it  outruns  the  eye. 


XXII.    OF   CUNNING. 

We  take  cunning  for  a  sinister,  or  crooked  wisdom  ;  and 
certainly  there  is  a  great  difference  between  a  cunning 


\  k 


ii 


— •  \ 


^V 


<^ 


f 


*  Phsedr.  viii. 


«  Horn.  IL  V.  845. 


Of  Cunning,  ^ 

man  and  a  wise  man,  not  only  in  point  of  honesty,  but  in 
pomt  of  ability.  There  be  that  can  pack  the  cards,  and 
yet  cannot  play  well ;  so  there  are  some  that  are  good  in 
canvasses  and  factions,  that  are  otherwise  weak  men 
Agam,  it  IS  one  thing  to  understand  persons,  and  another 
thmg  to  understand  matters  ;  for  many  are  perfect  in  men's 
humours,  that  are  not  greatly  capable  of  the  real  part  of 
busmess  ;  which  is  the  constitution  of  one  that  hath  studied 
men  more  than  books.  Such  men  are  fitter  for  practice 
than  for  counsel,  and  they  are  good  but  in  their  own  alley  • 
turn  them  to  new  men,  and  they  have  lost  their  aim ;  so 
as  the  old  rule,  to  know  a  fool  from  a  wise  man,  Mitte  amhos 
nudos  ad  ignotos,  et  videhis,  doth  scarce  hold  for  them.  And, 
because  these  cunning  men  are  like  haberdashers  of  small 
wares,  it  is  not  amiss  to  set  forth  their  shop. 

It  is  a  point  of  cunning  to  wait  upon  him  with  whom 
you  speak  with  your  eye,  as  the  Jesuits  give  it  in  precept  • 
for  there  be  many  wise  men  that  have  secret  hearts  and 
transparent  countenances.  Yet  this  would  be  done  with  a 
demure  abasing  of  your  eye  sometimes,  as  the  Jesuits  also 
do  use. 

Another  is,  that  when  you  have  anything  to  obtain 
of  present  dispatch,  you  entertain  and  amuse  the  party 
with  whom  YOU  deal  with  some  other  discourse,  that  he  be 
not  too  much  awake  to  make  objections.  I  knew  a  coun- 
sellor and  secretary  that  never  came  to  queen  Elizabeth  of 
^.ngland  with  bills  to  sign,  but  he  would  always  first  put 
her  into  some  discourse  of  estate,  that  she  might  the  less 
mind  the  bills. 

The  like  surprise  may  be  made  by  moving  things  when 
the  party  is  in  haste,  and  cannot  stay  to  consider  advisedly 
of  that  is  moved.  ^ 

If  a  man  would  cross  a  business  that  he  doubts  some 
other  would  handsomely  and  effectually  move,  let  him 
pretend  to  wish  it  well,  and  move  it  himself,  in  such  sort 
as  may  foil  it. 

The  breaking  off  in  the  midst  of  that  one  was  about 
to  say,  as  if  he  took  himself  up,  breeds  a  greater  appetite 
m  him,  with  whom  you  confer,  to  know  more. 

And  because  it  works  better  when  anything  seemeth 
to  be  gotten  from  you  by  question  than  if  you  offer  it  of 
yourself,  you  may  lay  a  bait  for  a  question  by  showing 
another  visage  and  countenance  than  you  are  wont ;  to  the 
end,  to  give  occasion  for  the  party  to  ask  what  the'matter 


V 


\ 


60 


Essays, 


^  i 


is  of  the  cliaDge,  as  JSTehemiah  did,  And  I  had  not  before 
that  time  been  sad  before  the  king? 

In  things  that  are  tender  and  unpleasing,  it  is  good 
to  break  the  ice  by  some  whose  words  are  of  less  weight, 
and  to  reserve  the  more  weighty  voice  to  come  in  as  by 
chance,  so  that  he  may  be  asked  the  question  upon  the 
other's  speech ;  as  Narcissus  did,  in  relating  to  Claudius 
the  marriage  of  Messalina  and  Silius."* 

In  things  that  a  man  would  not  be  seen  in  himself,  it 
is  a  point  of  cunning  to  borrow  the  name  of  the  world ;  as 
to  say,  The  world  says,  or  There  is  a  speech  abroad. 

I  knew  one  that,  when  he  wrote  a  letter,  he  would 
put  that  which  was  most  material  in  the  postscript,  as  if  it 
had  been  a  by-matter. 

I  knew  another  that  when  he  came  to  have  speech, 
he  would  pass  over  that  that  he  intended  most ;  and  go 
forth  and  come  back  again,  and  speak  of  it  as  a  thing  that 
he  had  almost  forgot. 

Some  procure  themselves  to  be  surprised  at  such  times 
as  it  is  like  the  party,  that  they  work  upon,  will  sud- 
denly come  upon  them ;  and  to  be  found  with  a  letter  in 
their  hand,  or  doing  somewhat  which  they  are  not  accus- 
tomed ;  to  the  end,  they  may  be  apposed  of  those  things 
which  of  themselves  they  are  desirous  to  utter. 

It  is  a  point  of  cunning,  to  let  fall  those  words  in  a 
man's  own  name  which  he  would  have  another  man  learn 
and  use,  and  thereupon  take  advantage.  I  knew  two  that 
were  competitors  for  the  secretary's  place  in  queen  Eliza- 
beth's time,  and  yet  kept  good  quarter  between  themselves, 
and  would  confer  one  with  another  upon  the  business ;  and 
the  one  of  them  said,  that  to  be  a  secretary  in  the  declination 
of  a  monarchy  was  a  ticklish  thing,  and  that  he  did  not 
affect  it :  the  other  straight  caught  up  those  words,  and 
discoursed  with  divers  of  his  friends,  that  he  had  no  reason 
to  desire  to  be  secretary  in  the  declination  of  a  monaix?hy. 
The  first  man  took  hold  of  it,  and  found  means  it  was  told 
the  queen ;  who,  hearing  of  a  declination  of  a  monarchy, 
took  it  so  ill,  as  she  would  never  after  hear  of  the  other's 
suit. 

There  is  a  cunning  which  we  in  England  call  The 
turning  of  the  cat  in  the  pan  ;  which  is,  when  that  which  a 
man  says  to  another,  he  lays  it  as  if  another  had  said  it  to 


Of  Cunnirt^. 


51 


I 


him ;  and,  to  say  truth,  it  is  not  easy,  when  such  a  matter 
passed  between  two,  to  make  it  appear  from  which  of  them 
it  first  moved  and  began.  i  j     . 

It  is  a  way  that  some  men  have,  to  glance  and  dart 
at  others  by  justifying  themselves  by  negatives  ;  as  to  say. 
This  I  do  not;  as  Tigellinus  did  towards  Burrhus,  Se^  non 
diversas  spes,  sed  incolumitatem  imperatoris   simpliciter 

spectare?  .  j     ,     • 

Some  have  in  readiness  so  many  tales  and  stories,  as 
there  is  nothing  they  would  insinuate,  but  they  can  wrap 
it  into  a  tale ;  which  serveth  both  to  keep  themselves 
more  in  guard,  and  to  make  others  carry  it  with  more 

pleasure.  .       «  .      i         ^i. 

It  is  a  good  point  of  cunning  for  a  man  to  shape  the 
answer  he  would  have  in  his  own  words  and  propositions  ; 
for  it  makes  the  other  party  stick  the  less. 

It  is  strange  how  long  some  men  will  he  m  wait  to 
speak  somewhat  they  desire  to  say;  and  how  far  about 
they  wiU  fetch,  and  how  many  other  matters  they  will  beat 
over  to  come  near  it ;  it  is  a  thing  of  a  great  patience,  but 
yet  of  much  use. 

A  sudden,  bold,  and  unexpected  question  doth  many 
times  surprise  a  man,  and  lay  him  open.  Like  to  him, 
that  having  changed  his  name,  and  walking  m  I^auis, 
another  suddenly  came  behind  him  and  called  him  by  his 
true  name,  whereat  straightways  he  looked  back. 

But   these   small  wares  and  petty  points  ot    cunning 

are  infinite,  and  it  were  a  good  deed  to  i^ake  a  hst  ot 

them ;  for  that  nothing  doth  more  hurt  in  a  state  than  ttiat 

cunnins:  men  pass  for  wise.  ,       ,  ^i  x 

But   certainly  some   there  are  that  know  the  resorts 

and  falls  of  business,  that  cannot  sink  into  the  mam  ot  it ; 

Hke  a  house  that  hath  convenient  stairs  and  entries   but 

never  a  fair  room.     Therefore  you  shaU  see  them  find  out 

pretty  looses  in  the  conclusion,  but  are  no  ways  able  to 

examine  or  debate  matters.     And  yet  commonly  they  take 

advantage  of  their  inability,  and  would  be  thought  wits  of 

direction.     Some  build  rather  upon  the  abusmg  of  others, 

and  (as  we  now  say)  putting  tricks  upon  them,  than  upon 

soundness  of  their  own  proceedings:  but  Solomon  saith, 

Frudens  advertit  ad  gressus  suos:  stultus  divertit  ad  doCos, 


'  Nehem.  ii.  1. 


*  Vid.  Tac.  Jnn.  xi.  29,  seq. 


5  Tacit.  Jnn.  xiv.  57. 


«  Prov.  xiv.  13. 


£  2 


52 


Essays, 


I 


XXIII.    OF   WISDOM    FOR  A   MANS   SELF. 

An  ant  is  a  wise  creature  for  itself;  but  it  is  a  shrewd 
thin^  in  an  orchard  or  garden.  And  certainly  men  that 
are  great  lovers  of  themselves  waste  the  public.  Divide 
witR  reason  between  self-love  and  society ;  and  be  so  true 
to  thyself  as  thou  be  not  false  to  others ;  especially  to  thy 
king  and  country.  It  is  a  poor  centre  of  a  man's  actions, 
himself.  It  is  right  earth.  Por  that  only  stands  fast  upon 
his  own  centre :  whereas  all  things  that  have  affinity  with 
the  heavens  move  upon  the  centre  of  another,  which  they 
benefit.  The  referring  of  all  to  a  man's  self  is  more 
tolerable  in  a  sovereign  prince,  because  themselves  are  not 
only  themselves,  but  their  good  and  evil  is  at  the  peril  of 
the  public  fortune.  But  it  is  a  desperate  evil  in  a  servant 
to  a  prince,  or  a  citizen  in  a  republic.  For  whatsoever 
afiairs  pass  such  a  man's  hands,  he  crooketh  them  to  his 
own  ends  :  w^hichmust  needs  be  often  eccentric  to  the  ends 
of  his  master  or  state.  Therefore  let  princes  or  states 
choose  such  servants  as  have  not  this  mark ;  except  they 
mean  their  service  should  be  made  but  the  accessary.  That 
which  maketh  the  effect  more  pernicious  is,  that  all  pro- 
portion is  lost :  it  were  disproportion  enough  for  the 
servants  good  to  be  preferred  before  the  master's;  but  yet 
it  is  a  greater  extreme,  when  a  little  good  of  the  servant 
shall  carry  things  against  a  great  good  of  the  master's. 
And  yet  that  is  the  case  of  bad  officers,  treasurers,  ambas- 
sadors, generals,  and  other  false  and  corrupt  servants ; 
which  set  a  bias  upon  their  bowl,  of  their  own  petty  ends 
and  envies,  to  the  overthrow  of  their  master's  great  and 
important  affairs.  And,  for  the  most  part,  the  good  such 
servants  receive  is  after  the  model  of  their  own  fortune ; 
but  the  hurt  they  sell  for  that  good  is  after  the  model  of 
their  master's  fortune.  And  certainly  it  is  the  nature  of 
extreme  self  lovers,  as  they  will  set  a  house  on  fire,  and  it 
were  but  to  roast  their  eggs  ;  and  yet  these  men  many 
times  hold  credit  with  their  masters,  because  their  study 
is  but  to  please  them,  and  profit  themselves;  and  for 
either  respect  they  will  abandon  the  good  of  their  affairs. 

2.  Wisdom  for  a  man's  self  is,  in  many  branches  thereof, 
a  depraved  thing :  it  is  the  wisdom  of  rats,  that  will  be 
sure  to  leave  a  house  somewhat  before  it  fall.  It  is  the 
wisdom  of  the  fox,  that  thrusts  out  the  badger,  who  digged 


Of  Wisdom  for  a  Mans  Sdf 


63 


ji 


\ 


and  made  room  for  him.  It  is  the  wisdom  of  crocodiles, 
that  shed  tears  when  they  would  devour.  But  that  which 
is  specially  to  be  noted  is,  that  those  which  (as  Cicero  says 
of  tompey)  are  sui  amantes  sine  rivali,'^  are  many  times 
unfortunate  ;  and  whereas  they  have  all  their  time  sacrificed 
to  themselves,  they  become  in  the  end  themselves  sacrifices 
to  the  inconstancy  of  fortune,  whose  wings  they  thought  by 
their  self-wisdom  to  have  pinioned. 

XXIV.    OF   INNOVATIONS. 

As  the  births  of  living  creatures  at  first  are  ilhshapen, 

so  are  all  innovations,  which  are  the  births  of  time ;  yet 

notwithstanding,  as  those  that  first  bring  honour  into  their 

family  are  commonly  more  worthy  than  most  that  succeed, 

so  the  first  precedent  (if  it  be  good)  is  seldom  attained  by 

imitation.   For  ill  to  man's  nature,  as  it  stands  perverted, 

hath  a  natural  motion  strongest  in  continuance :  but  good, 

as   a  forced  motion,  strongest  at  first.      Surely  every 

medicine  is  an  innovation,  and  he  that  will  not  apply  new 

remedies  must  expect  new  evils  ;  for  time  is  the  greatest 

innovator :  and  if  time  of  course  alter  things  to  the  worse, 

and  wisdom  and  counsel  shall  not  alter  them  to  the  better, 

what  shall  be  the  end  ?    It  is  true,  that  what  is  settled  by 

custom,  though  it  be  not  good,  yet  at  least  it  is  fit ;  and 

those   things  which  have  long  gone  together  are,  as  it 

were,  confederate  within  themselves ;  whereas  new  things 

piece  not  so  well ;  but,  though  they  help  by  their  utility, 

yet  they  trouble  by  their  inconformity.     Besides,  thev  are 

like  strangers,  more  admired,  and  less  favoured.     All  this 

is  true,  if  time  stood  still ;  which,  contrariwise,  moveth  so 

round  that  a  froward  retention  of  custom  is  as  turbulent 

a  thing  as  an  innovation ;  and  they  that  reverence  too 

much  old  times  are  but  a  scorn  to  the  new.     It  were  good, 

therefore,  that  men  in  their  innovations  would  follow  the 

example  of  time  itself,  which  indeed  innovateth  greatly,  but 

quietly  and  by  degrees  scarce  to  be  perceived :  for  other- 

wise,  whatsoever  is  new  is  unlooked  for ;  and  ever  it  mends 

some  and  pairs  others  :  and  he  that  is  holpen  takes  it  for  a 

fortune,  and  thanks  the  time ;  and  he  that  is  hurt  for  a 

wrong,  and  imputeth  it  to  the  author.     It  is  good  also  not 

to  try  experiments  in  states,  except  the  necessity  be  urgent, 

^  Jd.  Qu.  Fr.  iii.  8, 


\ 


J  - 


^ 


\ 


h^t 


Essays. 


or  thn  utility  evident ;  and  well  to  beware  that  it  be  tlie 
reformation  that  draweth  on  the  chanore,  and  not  the  desire 
of  chani^e  that  pretendeth  the  reformation.  And  lastly, 
that  the  novelty,  thouj^h  it  be  not  rejected,  yet  be  held  for 
a  suspect :  and,  as  the  Scripture  saith,  That  we  malce  a 
stand  upon  the  ancient  icay  and  then  look  about  us,  and  dis- 
cover what  is  the  straight  and  right  way^  and  so  to  walk 
in  it? 

XXV.    OF   DISPATCH. 

Affected  dispatch  is  one  of  the  most  dangerous  things 
to  business  that  can  be.  It  is  lilce  that  whicli  the  physicians 
call  predigestion,  or  hasty  digestion ;  which  is  sure  to  fill  the 
body  full  of  crudities,  and  secret  seeds  of  diseases.  There- 
fore measure  not  dispatch  by  the  times  of  sitting,  but  by 
the  advancement  of  the  business.  And  as  in  races  it  is 
not  the  large  stride,  or  high  lift,  that  makes  the  speed ; 
so  in  business  the  keeping  close  to  the  matter,  and  not 
taking  of  it  too  much  at  once,  procureth  dispatch.  It  is 
the  care  of  some  only  to  come  off  speedily  for  the  time  ;  or 
to  contrive  some  false  periods  of  business,  because  they 
may  seem  men  of  dispatch.  But  it  is  one  thing  to  abbre- 
viate by  contracting,  another  by  cutting  off:  and  business 
so  handled  at  several  sittings,  or  meetings,  goeth  commonly 
backward  and  forward  in  an  unsteady  manner.  I  knew  a 
wise  mau^  that  had  it  for  a  by-word,  when  he  saw  men 
hasten  to  a  conclusion,  ^tay  a  little,  that  we  may  make  an 
end  the  sooner. 

On  the  other  side,  true  dispatch  is  a  rich  thing.  For 
time  is  the  measure  of  business,  as  money  is  of  wares ;  and 
business  is  bought  at  a  dear  hand  where  there  is  small 
dispatch.  The  Spartans  and  Spaniards  have  been  noted 
to  be  of  small  dispatch :  Mi  venga  la  muerte  de  Spagna, 
Let  my  death  come  from  Spain,  for  then  it  will  be  sure  to 
be  long  in  coming. 

Give  good  hearing  to  those  that  give  the  first  infor- 
mation in  business,  and  rather  direct  them  in  the  beginning 
than  interrupt  them  in  the  continuance  of  their  speeches  : 
for  he  that  is  put  out  of  his  own  order  will  go  forward  and 
backward,  and  be  more  tedious  while  he  waits  upon  his 
memory,  than  he  could  have  been  if  he  had  gone  on  in  his 


t^    V 


r:  ■ 


^  -^X 


\ 


Of  Dispatch. 


55 


own  course.    But  sometimes  it  is  seen  that  the  moderator 
is  more  troublesome  than  the  actor. 

Iterations  are  commonly  loss  of  time;  but  there  is  no 
such  gain  of  time  as  to  iterate  often  the  state  of  the  ques- 
tion ;  for  it  chaseth  away  many  a  frivolous  speech  as  it  is 
coming  forth.  Long  and  curious  speeches  are  as  fit  for 
dispatch  as  a  robe  or  mantle  with  a  long  train,  is  for  a 
race.  Prefaces,  and  passages,  and  excusations,  and  other 
speeches  of  reference  to  the  person,  are  great  wastes  of 
time  ;  and  though  they  seem  to  proceed  of  modesty,  they 
are  bravery.  Yet  beware  of  being  too  material  when  there 
is  any  impediment,  or  obstruction,  in  men's  wills ;  for  pre- 
occupation of  mind  ever  requireth  preface  of  speech,  like  a 
fomentation  to  make  the  unguent  enter. 

Above  all  things,  order,  and  distribution,  and  singling 
out  of  parts,  is  the  life  of  dispatch ;  so  as  the  distribution 
be  not  too  subtile :  for  he  that  doth  not  divide  will  never 
enter  well  into  business ;  and  he  that  divideth  too  much 
will  never  come  out  of  it  clearly.    To  choose  time  is  to  save 
time  ;  and  an  unseasonable  motion  is  but  beatmg  the  air. 
There  be  three  parts  of  business :   the  preparation,  the 
debate  or  examination,  and  the  perfection.    Whereof,  it 
you  look  for  dispatch,  let  the  middle  only  be  the  work  ot 
many,  and  the  first  and  last  the  work  of  few.     The  pro- 
ceeding upon  somewhat  conceived  in  writing  doth  lor  the 
most  part  facilitate   dispatch:    for  though  it  should  be 
wholly  rejected,  yet  that  negative  is  more  pregnant  ot 
direction  than  an  indefinite ;  as  ashes  are  more  generative 
than  dust. 

XXVI.    OF    SEEMING   WISE. 

It  hath  been  an  opinion  that  the  French  are  wiser  than 
they  seem,  and  the  Spaniards  seem  wiser  than  they  are. 
But  howsoever  it  be  between  nations,  certainly  it  is  so 
between  man  and  man.  For  as  the  apostle  saith  of  godli- 
ness, ^aw^^  a  show  of  godliness,  hut  denying  the  power 
thereof;^  so  certainly  there  are  in  points  of  wisdom  and 
sufficiency  that  do  nothing  or  little  very  solemnly;  magno 
conatu  nugas.  It  is  a  ridiculous  thing,  and  fit  for  a  satire 
to  persons  of  judgment,  to  see  what  shifts  these  formalists 
have,  and  what  prospectives  to  make  superficies  to  seem 
body  that  hath  depth  and  bulk.     Some  are  so  close  and 


®  Jerem.  vi.  16.     Cf.  A.  L.  I.  iv.  1. 


^  Sir  Araias  Paulet. 


'  2  Tim.  iii.  5. 


i 


/ 


56 


Essays, 


reserved  as  they  will  not  show  their  wares  but  by  a  dark 
light,  and  seem  always  to  keep  back  somewhat;  and  when 
they  know  within  themselves  they  speak  of  that  they  do 
not  well  know,  would  nevertheless  seem  to  others  to  "know 
of  that  which  they  may  not  well  speak.  Some  help  them- 
selves with  countenance  and  gesture,  and  are  wise  by  signs ; 
as  Cicero  saith  of  Piso,  that  when  he  answered  him  he 
fetched  one  of  his  brows  up  to  his  forehead,  and  bent  the 
other  down  to  his  chin;  respondes,  altero  adfrontem  sub- 
latOy  altero  ad  mentum  depresso  supercilio,  crudelitatem 
tibi  non  placere?     Some  think  to  bear  it  by  speaking  a 

freat  word,  and  being  peremptory ;  and  go  on,  and  take 
y  admittance  that  which  they  cannot  make  good.  Some, 
whatsoever  is  beyond  their  reach,  will  seem  to  despise,  or 
make  light  of  it,  as  impertinent  or  curious  :  and  so  would 
have  their  ignorance  seem  judgment.  Some  are  never 
without  a  difference,  and  commonly  by  amusing  men  with 
a  subtilty  blanch  the  matter ;  of  whom  Aulus  Gellius  saith, 
hominem  delirum,  qui  verborum  minutiis  rerum  frangit 
pondera?  Of  which  kind  also  Plato,  in  his  Protagoras, 
bringeth  in  Prodicus  in  scorn,  and,  maketh  him  make  a 
speech  that  consisteth  of  distinctions  from  the  beginning 
to  the  end.**  Generally  such  men  in  all  dehberations  find 
ease  to  be  of  the  negative  side,  and  affect  a  credit  to  object 
and  foretell  difficulties  :  for  when  propositions  are  denied, 
there  is  an  end  of  them  ;  but  if  thev  be  allowed,  it  requireth 
a  new  work :  which  false  point  of  wisdom  is  the  bane  of 
business.  To  conclude,  there  is  no  decaying  merchant,  or 
inward  beggar,  hath  so  many  tricks  to  uphold  the  credit  of 
their  wealth,  as  these  empty  persons  have  to  maintain  the 
credit  of  their  sufficiency.  Seeming  wise  men  may  make 
shift  to  get  opinion;  but  let  no  man  choose  them  for 
employment;  for  certainly,  vou  were  better  take  for  busi- 
ness a  man  somewhat  absurd  than  over  formal. 

XXVII.    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

It  had  been  hard  for  him  that  spake  it  to  have  put  more 
truth  and  untruth  together  in  few  words,  than  in  that 


2  In  Pis.  6. 

•  I  cannot  find  this  expression  in  Aulus  Gellius.  Quintilian  (x.  1.) 
says  of  Seneca :  Rerum  pondera  miyiutissimis  sententiis  fregii,  Cf. 
A,  X.  I.  iv.  5.  *  Plat.  Frotag.  i.  33?. 


I 


Of  Friendship. 


57 


speech,  *  Whosoever  is  delighted  in  solitude,  is  either  a 
"wild  beast  or  a  god.'^  For  it  is  most  true,  that  a  natural 
and  secret  hatred  and  aversation  towards  society,  in  any 
man,  hath  somewhat  of  the  savage  beast ;  but  it  is  most 
untrue,  that  it  should  have  any  character  at  all  of  the  divine 
nature,  except  it  proceed,  not  out  of  a  pleasure  in  solitude, 
but  out  of  a  love  and  desire  to  sequester  a  man's  self  for  a 
higher  conversation :  such  as  is  found  to  have  been  falsely 
and  feignedly  in  some  of  the  heathen,  as  Epimenides  the 
Candian,  Numa  the  Eoman,  Empedocles  the  Sicilian,  and 
Apollonius  of  Tyana ;  and  truly  and  really  in  divers  of  the 
ancient  hermits  and  holy  fathers  of  the  church.  But  little 
do  men  perceive  what  solitude  is,  and  how  far  it  extendeth ; 
for  a  crowd  is  not  company,  and  faces  are  but  a  gallery  of 
pictures,  and  talk  but  a  tinkling  cymbal  where  there  is  no 
love.  The  Latin  adage  meeteth  with  it  a  little ;  magna 
civitas,  magna  solitudo;  because  in  a  great  town  friends 
are  scattered ;  so  that  there  is  not  that  fellowship,  for  the 
most  part,  which  is  in  less  neighbourhoods.  But  we  may 
go  further,  and  affirm  most  truly,  that  it  is  a  mere  and 
miserable  solitude  to  want  true  friends,  without  which 
the  world  is  but  a  wilderness:  and  even  in  this  sense  also 
of  solitude,  whosoever  in  the  frame  of  his  nature  and  affec- 
tions is  unfit  for  friendship,  he  taketh  it  of  the  beast,  and 
not  from  humanity. 

A  principal  fruit  of  friendship  is  the  ease  and  discharge 
of  the  fulness  and  swellings  of  the  heart,  which  passions  of 
all  kinds  do  cause  and  induce.  We  know  diseases  of  stop- 
pings and  suffocations  are  the  most  dangerous  in  the  body ; 
and  it  is  not  much  othei-wise  in  the  mmd :  you  may  take 
sarza  to  open  the  liver;  steel  to  open  the  spleen  ;  flour  of 
sulphur  for  the  lungs;  castoreum  for  the  brain;  but  no 
receipt  openeth  the  heart  but  a  true  friend,  to  whom  you 
may  impart  griefs,  joys,  fears,  hopes,  suspicions,  counsels, 
and  whatsoever  lieth  upon  the  heart  to  oppress  it,  in  a  kind 
of  civil  shrift  or  confession. 

It  is  a  strange  thing  to  observe  how  high  a  rate  great 
kings  and  monarchs  do  set  upon  this  fruit  of  friendship 
whereof  we  speak :  so  great,  as  they  purchase  it  many 
times  at  the  hazard  of  their  own  safety  and  greatness.  For 
princes,  in  regard  of  the  distance  of  their  fortune  from  that 
of  their  subjects  and  servants,  cannot  gather  this  fruit, 


s  Aristot.  Pollt.  i.  1.     Cf.  A,  L,  II.  xx.  8. 


^'- 


63 


Essays, 


except  (to  make  themselves  capable  thereof)  they  raise  some 
persoDs  to  be,  as  it  were,  companions,  and  almost  equals  to 
themselves ;  which  many  times  sorteth  to  inconvenience. 
The  modern  languages  give  unto  such  persons  the  name 
of  favourites,  or  privadoes,  as  if  it  were  matter  of  grace  or 
conversation :  but  i\\e  Eoman  name  attaineth  the  true  use 
and  cause  thereof,  n^immg  ilieva  participes  cur  a  rum, -.iox  it 
is  that  which  tieth  the  knot.  And  we  see  plainly  that  this 
liath  been  done,  not  by  weak  and  passionate  princes  only, 
but  by  the  wisest  and  most  politic  that  ever  reigned,  who 
have  oftentimes  joined  to  themselves  some  of  their  servants, 
whom  both  themselves  have  called  friends,  and  allowed 
others  likewise  to  call  them  in  the  same  manner,  u^^ing  the 
word  which  is  received  between  private  men. 

L.  Sylla  when  he  commanded  Eome,  raised  Pompey 
(after  surnamed  the  Great)  to  that  height  that  Pompey 
vaunted  himself  for  Sylla's  overmatch.  For  when  he  had 
carried  the  consulship  for  a  friend  of  his,  against  the  pursuit 
of  Sylla,  and  that  Sylla  did  a  httle  resent  thereat,  and 
began  to  speak  great,  Pompey  turned  upon  him  a«^ain,  and 
in  effect  bade  him  be  quiet ;  for  that  more  men  adored  the 
Pun  rising  than  the  sun  setting.^  With  JuUus  Ca'sar, 
Decimus  Brutus  had  obtained  that  interest,  as  he  set  him 
down  in  his  testament  for  heir  in  remainder  after  his 
nephew.  And  this  was  the  man  that  had  power  with  him 
to  dravr  him  forth  to  his  death.  For  when  Caesar  would 
have  discharged  the  senate,  in  regard  of  some  ill  passages, 
and  specially  a  dream  of  Calfurnia,  this  man  lifted  him 
gently  bv  the  arm  out  of  his  chair,  telling  him  he  hoped 
he  would  not  dismiss  the  senate  till  his  wife  had  dreamed 
a  better  dream.''  And  it  seemed  his  favour  was  so  great, 
as  Antonius,  in  a  letter,  which  is  recited  verbatim  in  one 
of  Cicero's  Philippics,  calleth  him  venefica, — *  witch;'  as  if 
he  had  enchanted  Ca?sar.^  Augustus  raised  Agrippa 
(though  of  mean  birth)  to  that  height,  as,  when  he  con- 
sulted with  Maecenas  about  the  marriage  of  his  daughter 
Julia,  Maecenas  took  the  liberty  to  tell  him,  that  he  must 
either  marry  his  daughter  to  Agrippa,  or  take  away  his  life; 
there  was  no  third  way,  he  had  made  him  so  great.  With 
Tiberius  Caesar,  Sejanus  had  ascended  to  that  height  as 


•  Platarch   (vit.  Pomp.  19)  relates  that  Pompey  said  this  upon 
Sylla's  refusal  to  e^ive  him  a  triumph. 

'  Plut.  viL  J.  Cas.  64.  s  cic.  FhUijp.  xiii.  H. 


•  \ 


V 


■^^K 


1^ 


Of  Friendship. 


59 


they  two  were  termed  and  reckoned  as  a  pair  of  friends. 
Tiberius,  in  a  letter  to  him,  saith,  hceo  pro  amicitia  nostra 
non  occultavi:^  and  the  whole  senate  dedicated  an  altar  to 
Friendship,  as  to  a  goddess,  in  respect  of  the  great  dear- 
ness  of  friendship  between  them  two.     The  like,  or  more, 
was  between  Septimius  Severus  and  Plautianus ;  for  he 
forced  his  eldest  son  to  marry  the  daughter  of  Plautianus, 
and  would  often  maintain  Plautianus  in  doing  affronts  to 
his  son :  and  did  write  also,  in  a  letter  to  the  senate,  by 
these  words :  *  I  love  the  man  so  well,  as  I  wish  he  may 
overlive  me.'^    Now,  if  these  princes  had  been  as  a  Trajan, 
or  a  Marcus  Aurelius,  a  man  might  have  thought  that  this 
had  proceeded  of  an  abundant  goodness  of  nature;  but 
being  men  so  wise,  of  such  strength  and  severity  of  mind,     t 
and  so  extreme  lovers  of  themselves,  as  all  these  were,  it  [' 
proveth  most  plainly,  that  they  found  their  own  felicity  / 
(though  as  great  as  ever  happened  to  mortal  men)  but  as  a  ^ 
half  piece,  except  they  might  have  a  friend  to  make  it 
entire;  and  yet,  which  is  more,  they  were  princes  that  had. 
wives,  sons,  nephews ;  yet  all  these  could  not  supply  they 
comfort  of  friendship. 

It  is  not  to  be  forgotten  what  Comineus  observeth  of  his 
first  master,  duke  Charles  the  Hardy,  namely,  that  he 
would  communicate  his  secrets  with  none ;  and  least  of  all 
those  secrets  which  troubled  him  most.  Whereupon  he 
goeth  on,  and  saith,  that  towards  his  latter  time  that  close- 
ness did  impair  and  a  little  perish  his  understanding. 
Surely  Comineus  might  have  made  the  same  judgment  also, 
if  it  had  pleased  him,  of  his  second  master,  Louis  the 
Eleventh,  whose  closeness  was  indeed  his  tormentor.  The 
parable  of  Pythagoras,  is  dark,  but  true,  Cor  ne  edito, — eat 
not  the  heart.^  Certainly  if  a  man  would  give  it  a  hard 
phrase,  those  that  want  friends  to  open  themselves  unto 
are  cannibals  of  their  own  hearts  :  but  one  thing  is  most 
admirable  (wherewith  I  will  conclude  this  first  fruit  of 
friendship),  which  is,  that  this  communicating  of,  a  man's 
self  to  his  friend  works  two  contrary  effects;  for  it  re- 
doubleth  joys,  and  cutteth  griefs  in  halves;  for  there  is  no 
man  that  imparteth  his  joys  to  his  friend,  but  he  joyeth 
the  more ;  and  no  man  that  imparteth  his  griefs  to  his  friend, 
but  he  grieveth  the  less.     So  that  it  is,  in  truth,  of  opera- 


^  Vid.  Tac.  Ann.  iv.  40.                          '    Dio  Cass.  Ixxv. 
2  p]^t.^  ^g  Educai.  Puer,  17. 


/ 


,f 


1/ 


60 


Essays. 


f 


tion  upon  a  man's  mind  of  like  virtue  as  tlie  alcliymists  use 
to  attribute  to  their  stone  for  man's  body  ;  that  it  worketh 
all  contrary  effects,  but  still  to  the  good  and  benefit  of 
nature.  But  yet,  without  praying  in  aid  of  alcliymists, 
there  is  «-  manifest  image  of  this  in  the  ordinary  course  of 
nature.  For,  in  bodies,  union  strengtheneth  and  cherisheth 
any  natural  action;  and,  on  the  other  side,  weakeneth  and 
dulleth  any  violent  impression;  and  even  so  is  it  of  minds. 

The  second  fruit  of  friendship  is  healthful  and  sovereign 
for  the  understanding,  as  the  first  is  for  the  affections.  For 
friendship  maketli  indeed  a  fair  day  in  the  affections  from 
storm  and  tempests ;  but  it  maketh  daylight  in  the  under- 
standing, out  of  darkness  and  confusion  of  thoughts. 
Neither  is  this  to  be  understood  only  of  faithful  counsel, 
which  a  man  receiveth  from  his  friend ;  but  before  you 
come  to  that,  certain  it  is,  that  whosoever  hath  his  mind 
fraught  with  many  thoughts,  his  wits  and  understanding 
do  clarify  and  break  up,  in  the  communicating  and  dis- 
coursing with  another:  he  tosseth  his  thoughts  more  easily; 
he  marshalleth  them  more  orderly;  heseeth  how  they  look 
when  they  are  turned  into  words;  finally,  he  waxeth  wiser 
than  himself,  and  that  more  by  an  hour's  discourse  than  by 
a  day's  meditation.  It  was  well  said  by  Themistocles  to 
the  king  of  Persia,  that  speech  was  like  cloth  of  Arras, 
opened  and  put  abroad  ;  whereby  Uie  imagery  doth  appear 
in  figure,  whereas  in  thoughts  they  lie  but  as  in  packs. ^ 
Neither  is  this  second  fruit  of  friendsliip,  in  opening  the 
understanding,  restrained  only  to  such  friends  as  are  able 
to  give  a  man  counsel  (they  indeed  are  best) :  but  even 
without  that  a  man  learneth  of  himself,  and  bringeth  his 
own  thoughts  to  light,  and  whetteth  his  wits  as  against  a 
stone,  which  itself  cuts  not.  In  a  word,  a  man  were  better 
relate  himself  to  a  statua  or  picture,  than  to  suffer  his 
thoughts  to  pass  in  smother. 

Add  now,  to  make  this  second  fruit  of  friendship  com- 
plete, that  other  point  which  lieth  more  open,  and  falleth 
within  vulgar  observation ;  which  is  faithful  counsel  from 
a  friend.  Heraclitus  saith  well  in  one  of  his  enigmas, 
*  Dry  light  is  ever  the  best.'^  And  certain  it  is,  that  the 
light  that  a  man  receiveth  by  counsel  from  another,  is  drier 
and  purer  than  that  which  cometh  from  his  own  under- 


3  Plut.  vit.  Themut  28. 
*  Ap.  Stob.  Serm.  v.  120.     Vid.  A.  L,  i.  3. 


<     - 


Lk 


(  ? 


> 


i 


Of  Friendship. 


61 


standing  and  judgment;  which  is  ever  infused  and  drenched 
in  his  affections  and  customs.     So  as  there  is  as  much  dif- 
ference between  the  counsel  that  a  friend  giveth,  and  that 
a  man  giveth  himself,  as  there  is  between  the  counsel  of  a 
friend  and  of  a  flatterer.     For  there  is  no  such  flatterer  as 
is  a  man's  self,  and  there  is  no  such  remedy  against  flattery 
of  a  man's  self  as  the  liberty  of  a  friend.     Counsel  is  of  two 
sorts ;  the  one  concerning  manners,  the  other  concerning 
business.     For  the  first;  the  best  preservative  to  keep  the 
mind  in  health  is  the  faithful  admonition  of  a  friend.     The 
calling  of  a  man's  self  to  a  strict  account  is  a  medicine 
sometime  too  piercing  and  corrosive;  reading  good  books 
of  morality  is  a  httle  flat  and  dead.     Observing  our  faults 
in  others  is  sometimes  improper  for  our  case;  but  the  best 
receipt  (best  I  say,  to  work  and  best  to  take)  is  the  admo- 
nition of  a  friend.     It  is  a  strange  thing  to  behold  what 
gross  errors  and  extreme  absurdities  many  (especially  of 
the  greater  sort)  do  commit  for  want  of  a  friend  to  tell  them 
of  them;  to  the  great  damage  both  of  their  fame  and  for- 
tune.    For,  as  St.  James  saith,  they  are  as  men  that  look 
sometimes  into  a  glass,  and  presently  forget  their  own 
shape  and  favour.^    As  for  business,  a  man  may  think,  it 
he  will,  that  two  eyes  see  no  more  than  one;  or,  that  a 
gamester  seeth  always  more  than  a  looker  on ;  or,  that  a 
man  in  anger  is  as  wise  as  he  that  hath  said  over  the  four 
and  twenty  letters ;  or,  that  a  musket  may  be  shot  off  as 
well  upon  the  arm  as  upon  a  rest;  and  such  other  fond  and 
high  imaginations,  to  think  himself  all  in  all.     But  when 
all  is  done,  the  help  of  good  counsel  is  that  which  setteth 
business  straight ;  and  if  any  man  think  that  he  will  take 
counsel,  but  it  shall  be  by  pieces ;  asking  counsel  in  one 
business  of  one  man,  and  in  another  business  of  another 
man;  it  is  well  (that  is  to  say,  better  perhaps,  than  if  he 
asked  none  at  all),  but  he  runneth  two   dangers :  one, 
that  he  shall  not  be  faithfully  counselled;  for  it  is  a  rare 
thing,  except  it  be  from  a  perfect  and  entire  friend,  to  have 
counsel  given,  but  such  as  shall  be  bowed  and  crooked  to 
some  ends  which  he  hath  that  giveth  it.     The  other,  that 
he  shall  have  counsel  given  hurtful  and  unsafe  (though 
with  good  meaning),  and  mixed  partly  of  mischief,  and 
partly  of  remedy:  even  as  if  you  would  call  a  physician, 
that  is  thought  good  for  the  cure  of  the  disease  you  com- 


*  James  i.  23. 


N-N 


•^- 


63 


Essa7/p. 


♦  , 


0/  Expense. 


63 


plain  of,  but  is  unacquainted  with  your  body;  and,  there- 
fore, may  put  you  in  the  way  for  present  cure,  but  over- 
throweth  your  health  in  some  other  kind  ;  and  so  cure  the 
disease,  and  kill  the  patient.  But  a  friend,  that  is  wholly 
acquainted  with  a  man's  estate,  will  beware,  by  furthering 
any  present  business,  how  he  dasheth  upon  other  inconve- 
nience. And,  therefore,  rest  not  upon  scattered  counsels : 
for  they  will  rather  distract  and  mislead  than  settle  and 
direct. 

After  these  two  noble  fruits  of  friendship  (peace  in  the 
affections,  and  support  of  the  judgment),  followeth  the  last 
fruit,  which  is  like  the  pomegranate,  full  of  many  kernels; 
I  mean  aid  and  bearing  a  part  in  all  actions  and  occasions. 
Here  the  best  way  to  represent  to  life  the  manifold  use  of 
friendship  is  to  cast  ana  see  how  many  things  there  are 
which  a  man  cannot  do  himself;  and  then  it  will  appear 
that  it  was  a  sparing  speech  of  the  ancients,  to  say,  that  a 
friend  is  another  himself;  for  that  a  friend  is  far  more  than 
himself.  Men  have  their  time,  and  die  many  times  in 
desire  of  some  things  which  they  principally  take  to  heart; 
the  bestowing  of  a  child,  the  hnishing  of  a  work,  or  the 
like.  If  a  man  have  a  true  friend,  he  may  rest  almost 
secure  that  the  care  of  those  things  will  continue  after  him; 
so  that  a  man  hath,  as  it  were,  two  lives  in  his  desires.  A 
man  hath  a  body,  and  that  body  is  confined  to  a  place ;  but 
where  friendship  is,  allofhces  of  life  are,  as  it  were,  granted 
to  him  and  his  deputy ;  for  he  may  exercise  them  by  his 
friend.  How  many  things  are  there  which  a  man  cannot, 
with  any  face  or  comehness,  say  or  do  himself?  A  man  can 
scarce  allege  his  own  merits  with  modesty,  much  less  extol 
them;  a  man  cannot  sometimes  brook  to  supplicate,  or  beg, 
and  a  number  of  the  like  :  but  all  these  things  are  graceful 
in  a  friend's  mouth,  which  are  blushing  in  a  man's  own. 
So  again,  a  man's  person  hath  many  proper  relations  which 
he  cannot  put  off.  A  man  cannot  speak  to  his  son  but  as 
a  father;  to  his  wife  but  as  a  husband;  to  his  enemy  but 
.  ^  upon  terms ;  whereas  a  friend  may  speak  as  the  case 
j  I  requires,  and  not  as  it  sorteth  with  the  person.  But  to 
I  enumerate  these  things  were  endless ;  I  have  given  the 
rule,  where  a  man  cannot  fitly  play  his  own  part;  if  he 
have  not  a  friend  he  may  quit  the  stage. 


1 


1/ 


) 


f  .. 


i 


t 


XXVIII.    OF   EXPENSE. 

Eiches  are  for  spending;  and  spending  for  honour  and 
good  actions.     Therefore  extraordinary  expense  must  be 
limited  by  the  worth  of  the  occasion;  for  voluntary  undoing 
may  be  as  well  for  a  man's  country  as  for  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.     But  ordinary  expense  ought  to  be  limited  by  a 
man's  estate,  and  governed  with  such  regard,  as  it  be 
within  his  compass  ;  and  not  subject  to  deceit  and  abuse  of 
servants  ;  and  ordered  to  the  best  show,  that  the  bills  may 
be  less  than  the  estimation  abroad.     Certainly,  if  a  man 
wdllkeep  but  of  even  hand,  his  ordinary  expenses  ought  to 
be  but  to  the  ha]f  of  his  receipts ;  and  if  he  think  to  wax 
rich,  but  to  the  third  part.     It  is  no  baseness  for  the 
greatest  to  descend  and  look  into  their  own  estate.     Some 
forbear  it,  not  upon  negligence  alone,  but  doubting  to  bring 
themselves  into  melancholy,  in  respect  they  shall  find  it 
broken:  but  wounds  cannot  be  cured  without  searching. 
He  that  cannot  look  into  his  own  estate  at  all  had  need 
both  choose  well  those  whom  he  employ eth,  and  change 
them  often :  for  new  are  more  timorous  and  less  subtle. 
He  that  can  look  into  his  estate  but  seldom,  it  behoveth 
him  to  turn  all  to  certainties.     A  man  had  need,  if  he  be 
plentiful  in  some  kind  of  expense,  to  be  as  saving  again  in 
some  other.     As  if  he  be  plentiful  in  diet,  to  be  saving  in 
apparel:  if  he  be  plentiful  in  the  hall,  to  be  saving  in 
the  stable:  and  the  like.     For  he  that  is  plentiful  m  ex- 
penses of  all  kinds  will  hardly  be  preserved  from  decay. 
In  clearing  of  a  man's  estate,  he  may  as  well  hurt  himself 
in  being  too  sydden,  as  in  letting  it  run  on  too  long :  for 
hasty  selling  is  commonly  as  disadvantageable  as  interest. 
Besides,  he  tkat  clears  at  once  will  relapse;  for  finding 
himself  out  of  straits,  he  will  revert  to  his  customs :  but  he 
that  cleareth  by  degrees  induceth  a  habit  of  frugality,  and 
gaineth  as  well  upon  his  mind  as  upon  his  estate.  Certainly, 
who  hath  a  state  to  repair  may  not  despise  small  things  : 
and,  commonly,  it  is  less  dishonourable  to  abridge  petty 
charges  than  to  stoop  to  petty  gettings.     A  man  ought 
warily  to  begin  charges,  which  once  begun  will  continue ; 
but  in  matters  that  return  not  he  may  be  more  magnificent. 


/' 


64 


Essays, 


XXIX.    OF   THE   TRUE   GREATNESS   OF   KINGDOMS   AND 

ESTATES. 

The  speecli  of  Themistocles,  the  Athenian,  which  was 
haughty  and  arrogant,  in  taking  so  much  to  himself,  had 
been  a  grave  and  wise  observation  and  censure,  appHed  at 
large  to  others.  Desired  at  a  feast  to  touch  a  lute,  ne  said, 
He  could  not  fiddle,  but  yet  he  could  make  a  small  town 
a  great  city.^  These  words  (holpen  a  little  with  a  metaphor) 
may  express  two  different  abilities  in  those  that  deal  in 
business  of  estate.  For,  if  a  true  survey  be  taken  of  coun- 
sellors and  statesmen,  there  may  be  found  (thougli  rarely) 
those  which  can  make  a  small  state  great,  and  yet  cannot 
fiddle ;  as,  on  the  other  side,  there  will  be  found  a  great 
many  that  can  fiddle  very  cunningly,  but  yet  are  so  far 
from  being  able  to  make  a  small  state  great,  as  their  gift 
lieththe  other  way;  to  bring  a  great  and  flourishing  estate 
to  ruin  and  decay.  And,  certainly,  those  degenerate  arts 
and  shifts,  whereby  many  counsellors  and  governors  gain 
both  favour  with  their  masters,  and  estimation  with  the 
vulgar,  deserve  no  better  name  than  fiddling ;  being  things 
rather  pleasing  for  the  time,  and  graceful  to  themselves 
only,  than  tending  to  the  weal  and  advancement  of  the 
state  which  they  serve.  There  are  also  (no  doubt)  coun- 
sellors and  governors  which  may  be  held  sufficient,  negotiis 
pares,  able  to  manage  afiairs,  and  to  keep  them  from  preci- 
pices and  manifest  inconveniences;  which,  nevertheless, 
are  far  from  the  ability  to  raise  and  amplify  an  estate  in 
power,  means,  and  fortune.  But  be  the  workmen  what 
they  may  be,  let  us  speak  of  the  work;  that  is,  the  true 
greatness  of  kingdoms  and  estates,  and  the  means  thereof. 
An  argument  fit  for  great  and  mighty  princes  to  have  in 
their  hand;  to  the  end  that  neither  by  over-measuring 
their  forces,  they  lose  themselves  in  vain  enterprises  ;  nor, 
on  the  other  sicle,  by  undervaluing  them,  they  descend  to 
fearful  and  pusillanimous  counsels. 

The  greatness  of  an  estate,  in  bulk  and  territory,  doth 
fall  under  measure ;  and  the  greatness  of  finances  and 
revenue  doth  fall  under  computation.   The  population  may 


«  Plut.  vit  Themist.  ad  init.     Cf.  A.  L.  I.  iii.  7. 


< 


J 


1 


8 


0/ Kingdoms  and  Estates^^  65 

appear  by  musters;  and  the  number  and  greatness  of  cities 
and  towns  by  cards  and  maps;  but  yet  there  is  notTnT 

Sf  vduS  ^^^r^'  -^^"t  ^---  tlanX' 
IBZt        T  *°'i  tJ-ue  judgment  concerning  the  power 

pared  not%or  "'***";  i  ^he  kingdom  of  hef.en  is^rm- 
pared,  not  to  any  great  kernel,  or  nut,  but  to  a  erain  of 
mustard-seed;^  which  is  one  of  the  least  grabs  but  hath 

are  there  states  great  m  territory,  and  yet  not  ant  to 
f       enlarge  or  command :   and  some  that  have  but  a  small 

,      g^t'^mCLrthir'  ''''  '''  '''  *°  '^  ''^  ^''-^'^i- o" 

rae^I^ofi.nrT\  '^T*^   arsenals,  and  armories,  goodly 

'         lerT  and  th/ liV.    'Iwl?^  ^^l'  ^l^P^^t^'  ordnance!  artl 

SLTiTlih'-  ^'V^'-'  ''  >•"*  *  '^^"P  '''  a  lioii's  skin, 
except  the  breed  and  disposition  of  the  people  be  sfmit 

and  warlike.  Jfay,  number  itself  in  armiesSorteth  not 
, .      much,  where  the  people  are  of  weak  courage;  fo^as  Vi^gi 

sa  th.  It  never  troubles  the  wolf  how  mam  the  sheep  be^ 
V .      The  army  of  the  Persians,  in  the  plains  of  ArbelT  wis 

such  a  vast  sea  of  people  as  did  somewhat  astonih  The 

forTZ     '  '^^l^^^^der's  army,  who  came  to  him,  there! 

fore,  and  wished  him  to  set  upon  them  by  night  •  but  he 

wrrsv^wf  ^  T°'  P"^^'*^.^  '''"'^-  ^''^  *»^«  defeat 
was  easy.9  When  Tigranes,  the  Armenian,  beine  en- 
camped upon  a  hill  with  four  hundred  thousand  me  J  dk- 
ihZ     A^^  ^""jy  °^^^'  Eomans,  being  not  above  fourteen 

wi?hT«  'r''''i""i*^T^'^'  ^™'  ^'  ^^de  himself  merry 
with  It  and  said,  •  Yonder  men  are  too  many  for  an  am- 

bassage,  and  too  few  for  a  fight.'    But,  before  the  sun  s^ 

sWhter  .M  "'"'*''  ^,&'  ^™  *^«  «^*««  ^itJ^  infinite 
slBAighter.       Many  are  the  examples  of  the  great  odds 

between  number  and  courage :  so  that  a  man  may  truly 
make  a  judgment,  that  the  principal  point  of  greatness,  in 
any  state,  is  to  have  a  race  of  military  men.  JSTeitheJ  is 
money  the  sinews  of  war  (as  it  is  trivially  said),  where  the 
smews  of  men's  arms  in  base  and  efieminate  people  are 
&:  ^""^  ^'  *?^  ?^^^  ^'i^  ^'^  CrcBsus  (when  Si  o^stenTa! 
Wh  bJ?*''^-^'^  ^'^  ^''  ^°''*l'  '  ^''•'  '^^"^y  «tl»er  come  that 
S '  T^  '7"  ^^'^  ^°"'  ^«  ^"'  be  master  of  all  this 
gom.      Iherefore,  let  any  prmce  or  state  think  soberly  of 


'  Matth.  xiii  31. 
'  Vid.  J.  L.  i.  vii.  11, 


r 


"  Virg.  Eel.  vii.  51. 
'  Plut.  vit.  Lucull,  27. 


\ 


66 


Essays. 


Of  Kingdoms  and  Estates. 


67 


his  forces,  except  liis  militia  of  natives  be  of  good  and 
valiant  soldiers.  And  let  princes,  on  the  other  side,  that 
have  subjects  of  martial  disposition,  know  their  own 
strength,  unless  they  be  otherwise  wanting  unto  themselves. 
As  for  mercenarv  forces  (which  is  the  help  in  this  case),  all 
examples  show  that,  whatsoever  estate,  or  prince,  doth  rest 
upon  them,  he  may  spread  his  feathers  for  a  time,  but  he 
will  mew  them  soon  after. 

The  blessing  of  Judah  and  Issachar  will  never  meet; 
that  the  same  people  or  nation  should  be  both  the  lion's 
whelp  and  the  ass  between  burdens:"  neither  will  it  be, 
that  a  people  overlaid  with  taxes  should  ever  become  valiant 
and  martial.  It  is  true  that  taxes,  levied  by  consent  of 
the  estate,  do  abate  men's  courage  less;  as  it  hath  been 
seen  notably  in  the  excises  of  the  Low  Countries ;  and,  in 
some  degree,  in  the  subsidies  of  England.  For,  vou  must 
note,  that  we  speak  now  of  the  heart,  and  not  of  the  purse; 
so  that,  although  the  same  tribute  and  tax,  laid  by  consent 
or  by  imposing,  be  all  one  to  the  purse,  yet  it  works 
diversely  upon  the  courage.  So  that  you  may  conclude, 
that  no  people  overcharged  with  tribute  is  fit  for  empire. 

Let  states  that  aim  at  greatness  take  heed  how  their 
nobility  and  gentlemen  do  multiply  too  fast ;  forthat  maketh 
the  common  subject  grow  to  be  a  peasant  and  base  swain, 
driven  out   of  heart,  and,  in  efiect,  but  the  gentleman's 
labourer.     Even  as  you  may  see  in  coppice  woods  ;  if  you 
leave  your  staddles  too  thick,  you  shall  never  have  clean 
underwood,  but  shrubs   and  bushes.      So  in   countries, 
if  the  gentlemen  be  too  many,  the  commons  will  be  base ; 
and  you  will  bring  it  to  that,  that  not  the  hundredth  poll 
will  be  fit  for  a  helmet;  especially  as  to  the  infantry,  which 
is  the  nerve  of  an  army :  and  so  there  will  be  great  popula- 
tion and  Httle  strength.     This  which  I  speak  of  hath  been 
no  where  better  seen  than  by  comparing  of  England  and 
France ;  whereof  England,  though  far  less  in  territoiy  and 
population,  hath  been   (nevertheless)   an   overmatch;   in 
regard  the  middle  people  of  England  make  good  soldiers, 
which  the  peasants  of  France  do  not.  And  herein  the  device 
of  king  Henry  the  Seventh  (whereof  I  have  spoken  largely 
in  the  history  of  his  fife),  was  profound  and  admirable ;  in 
making  farms  and  houses  of  husbandry  of  a  standard ;  that 
is,  maintained  with  such  a  proportion  of  land  unto  them  as 


2  Gen.  xhx.  9.  14. 


4> 


V 


V 


< 
# 


J  m 


\  . 


■*\  '* 


-  -<, 


\  -' " 


\ 


i; 


may  breed  a  subject  to  live  in  convenient  plenty,  and  no 
servile  condition ;  and  to  keep  the  plough  in  the  hands  of 
the  owners,  and  not  mere  hirelings.  And  thus  indeed  you 
shall  attain  to  Virgil's  character,  which  he  gives  to  ancient 
Italy : 

Terra  potens  armis  atque  ubere  glebae.^ 

Neither  is  that  state  (which,  for  anything  I  know,  is 
almost  peculiar  to  England,  and  hardly  to  be  found  any- 
where else,  except  it  be,  perhaps,  in  Poland)  to  be  passed 
over;  I  mean  the  state  of  free  servants  and  attendants 
upon  noblemen  and  gentlemen,  who  are  no  ways  inferior 
unto  the  yeomanry  for  arms.  And,  therefore,  out  of  all 
question,  the  splendour,  and  magnificence,  and  great  re- 
tinues, the  hospitality  of  noblemen  and  gentlemen  received 
into  custom,  doth  much  conduce  unto  martial  greatness : 
whereas,  contrariwise,  the  close  and  reserved  living  of 
noblemen  and  gentlemen  causeth  a  penury  of  military 
forces. 

By  all  means  it  is  to  be  procured,  that  the  trunk  of 
Nebuchadnezzar's  tree"^  of  monarchy  be  great  enough  to 
bear  branches  and  the  boughs ;  that  is,  that  the  natural 
subjects  of  the  crown  or  state  bear  a  sufficient  proportion 
to  the  strange  subjects  that  they  govern.  Therefore  all 
states  that  are  liberal  of  naturalization  towards  strangers 
are  fit  for  empire.  For  to  think  that  a  handful  of  people  ' 
can,  with  the  greatest  courage  and  policy  in  the  world, 
embrace  too  large  extent  of  dominion,  it  may  hold  for  a 
time,  but  it  will  fail  suddenly.  The  Spartans  were  a  nice 
people  in  point  of  naturalization ;  whereby,  while  they  kept 
their  compass,  they  stood  firm  ;  but  when  they  did  spread, 
and  their  boughs  were  become  too  great  for  their  stem, 
they  became  a  windfall  upon  the  sudden.  Never  any 
state  was,  in  this  point,  so  open  to  receive  strangers  into 
their  body  as  were  the  Romans ;  therefore  it  sorted  with 
them  accordingly,  for  they  grew  to  the  greatest  monarchy. 
Their  manner  was  to  grant  naturalization  (which  they 
called  jus  civitatis),  and  to  grant  it  in  the  highest  degree 
that  is,  not  only^'w*  commercii^  jus  connuhii,  jus  hceredi- 
tatis:  but  also  jus  suffragii,  and  jus  honorum;  and  this 
not  to  singular  persons  alone,  but  likewise  to  whole 
families ;  yea,  to  cities,  and  sometimes  to  nations.    Add  to 


»  Virg.  JEn.  i.  535. 


r  2 


*  Dan.  iv.  10,  seq. 


?   I 


68 


Essays, 


this  their  custom  of  plantation  of  colonies,  uherebj  the 
Eoman  plant  was  removed  into  the  soil  of  other  nations  ; 
and,  putting  both  constitutions  together,  you  will  say,  that 
it  was  not  the  Eomans  that  spread  upon  the  world,  but  it 
was  the  world  that  spread  upon  the  Eomans;  and  that  was 
the  sure  way  of  greatness.    I  have  marvelled  sometimes  at 
Spain,  how  they  clasp  and  contain  so  large  dominions  with 
so  few  natural  Spaniards :  but  sure  the  whole  compass  of 
Spain  is  a  very  great  body  of  a  tree;  far  above  Eome  and 
Sparta  at  the  first.   And,  besides,  though  they  have  not  had 
that  usage  to  naturalize  liberally,  yet  they  have  that  which 
is  next  to  it;  that  is,  to  employ,  almost  indifferently,  all 
nations  in  their  militiaof  ordinary  soldiers;  yea,  and  some- 
times in  their  highest  commands.     Nay,  it  seemeth  at  this 
instant,  they  are  sensible  of  this  want  of  natives;  as  by  the 
Pragmatical  Sanction,  now  published,  appeareth. 

It  is  certain,  that  sedentary  and  within-door  arts,  and 
dehcate  manufiactures  (that  require  rather  the  finger  than 
the  arm)  have  in  their  nature  a  contrariety  to  a  military 
disposition.  And  generally  all  warlike  people  are  a  Httle 
idle,  and  love  danger  better  than  travail:  neither  must  they 
be  too  much  broken  of  it,  if  they  shall  be  preserved  in 
vigour.   Therefore  it  was  great  advantage  in  the  ancient 

states  ofSparta,  Athens,  Eome,  and  others,  that  they  hadthe 
use  of  slaves,  which  commonly  did  rid  those  manufactures. 
Eut  that  is  abolished,  in  greatest  part,  by  the  Christian 
law.  That  which  cometh  nearest  to  it  is,  to  leave  those 
arts  chiefly  to  strangers  (which,  for  that  purpose,  are  the 
more  easily  to  be  received),  and  to  contain  the  principal 
bulk  of  the  vulgar  natives  ^vithin  those  three  kinds ;  tillers 
of  the  ground,  free  servants,  and  handicraftsmen  of  strong 
and  manly  arts,  as  smiths,  masons,  carpenters,  &c.,  not 
reckoning  professed  soldiers. 

But,  above  all,  for  empire  and  greatness  it  importeth 
most,  that  a  nation  do  profess  arms  as  their  principal 
honour,  study,  and  occupation.  For  the  things  which  we 
formerly  have  spoken  of  are  but  habilitations  towards 
arms :  and  what  is  habilitation  without  intention  and  act  P 
Eomulus,  after  his  death  (as  they  report  or  feign),  sent  a 
present  to  the  Eomans,  that  above  all  they  should  intend 
arms,  and  then  thev  should  prove  the  greatest  empire  of 
the  world.  The  fabric  of  the  state  of  Sparta  was  wholly 
(though  not  wisely)  framed  and  composed  to  that  scope 
and  end.  The  Persians  and  Macedonians  had  it  for  a  flash. 
The  Gauls,  Germans,  Goths,  Saxons,  JS'ormans,  and  others^ 


\.   > 


\^  •^• 


►  M 


Of  Kingdoms  and  Estates. 


69 


had  it  for  a  time.  The  Turks  have  it  at  this  day,  though 
in  great  declination.  Of  Christian  Europe  they  that  have 
it  are,  in  effect,  only  the  Spaniards.  But  it  is  so  plain,  that 
every  man  profiteth  in  that  he  most  intendeth,  that  it 
needeth  not  to  be  stood  upon,  it  is  enough  to  point  at  it ; 
that  no  nation  which  doth  not  directly  profess  arms,  may 
look  to  have  greatness  fall  into  their  mouths.  And,  on  the 
other  side,  it  is  a  most  certain  oracle  of  time,  that  those 
states  that  continue  long  in  that  profession  (as  the  Eomans 
and  Turks  principally  have  done)  do  wonders :  and  those 
that  have  professed  arms  but  for  an  age  have  nothwith- 
standing  commonly  attained  that  greatness  in  that  age 
which  maintained  them  long  after,  when  their  profession 
and  exercise  of  arms  hath  grown  to  decay. 

Incident  to  this  point  is  for  a  state  to  have  those  laws  or 
customs  which  may  reach  forth  unto  them  just  occasions 
(as  may  be  pretended)  of  war.  For  there  is  that  justice 
imprinted  in  the  nature  of  men,  that  they  enter  not  upon 
wars  (whereof  so  many  calamities  do  ensue),  but  upom 
some  at  the  least  specious  grounds  and  quarrels.  The 
Turk  hath  at  hand,  for  cause  of  war,  the  propagation  of 
his  law  or  sect,  a  quarrel  that  he  may  always  command. 
The  Eomans  though  they  esteemed  the  extending  the 
limits  of  their  empire  to  be  great  honour  to  their  generals 
when  it  was  done  ;  yet  they  never  rested  upon  that  alone 
to  begin  a  war.  First  therefore  let  nations  that  pretend 
to  greatness  have  this,  that  they  be  sensible  of  wrongs, 
either  upon  borderers,  merchants,  or  politic  ministers; 
and  that  they  sit  not  too  long  upon  a  provocation. 
Secondly,  let  them  be  prest  and  ready  to  give  aids  and 
succours  to  their  confederates ;  as  it  ever  was  with  the 
Eomans :  insomuch,  as  if  the  confederates  had  leagues 
defensive  with  divers  other  states,  and,  upon  invasion 
offered,  did  implore  their  aids  severally,  yet  the  Eomans 
would  ever  be  the  foremost,  and  leave  it  to  none  other  to 
have  the  honour.  As  for  the  wars,  which  were  anciently 
made  on  the  behalf  of  a  kind  of  party,  or  tacit  conformity 
of  estate,  I  do  not  see  how  they  may  be  well  justified :  as 
when  the  Eomans  made  a  war  for  the  liberty  of  Graecia,  or 
when  the  Lacedaemonians  and  Athenians  made  wars  to  set 
up  or  pull  down  democracies  and  oligarchies:  or  when 
wars  were  made  by  foreigners,  under  the  pretence  of 
justice  or  protection,  to  deliver  the  subjects  of  others  from 
tyranny  and  oppression,  and  the  like.  Let  it  suflBce,  that 
no  estate  expect  to  be  great,  that  is  not  awake  upon  any 
just  occasion  of  arming. 


70 


Essays. 


Of  Kingdoons  and  Estates. 


71 


No  body  can  be  healthful  without  exercise,  neither 
natural  body  nor  politic :  and,  certainly  to  a  kingdom  or 
estate  a  just  and  honourable  war  is  the  true  exercise.  A 
civil  war,  indeed,  is  like  the  heat  of  a  fever ;  but  a  foreign  war 
is  like  the  heat  of  exercise,  and  serveth  to  keep  the  body  in 
health ;  for,  in  a  slothful  peace,  botli  courages  will  effemi- 
nate and  manners  corrupt ;  but  howsoever  it  be  for  hap- 
piness, without  all  question  for  greatness,  it  maketh  to  be 
still  for  the  most  part  in  arms ;  and  the  strength  of  a 
veteran  army  (though  it  be  a  chargeable  business),  always 
on  foot,  is  that  which  commonly  giveth  the  law,  or,  at 
least,  the  reputation  amongst  all  neighbour  states,  as  may 
be  well  seen  in  Spain ;  which  hath  had,  in  one  part  or  other, 
a  veteran  army  almost  continually,  now  by  the  space  of  six 
score  years. 

To  be  master  of  the  sea  is  an  abridgment  of  a  monarchy. 
Cicero,  writing  to  Atticus  of  Pompey's  preparation  against 
Caesar,  saith.  Consilium  Pompeii jq lane  Themistocleum  est: 
futat  enimy  quimari  potituTyeumrerum  potiri;^  and,  with- 
out doubt,  Pompey  had  tired  out  Cajsar,  if  upon  vain  con- 
fidence he  had  not  left  that  way.  We  see  the  great  effects 
of  battles  by  sea.  The  battle  of  Actium  decided  the  empire 
of  the  world.  The  battle  of  Lepanto  arrested  the  great- 
ness of  the  Turk.  There  be  many  examples,  where  sea- 
fights  have  been  final  to  the  war :  but  this  is  when  princes 
or  states  have  set  up  their  rest  upon  the  battles.  But 
thus  much  is  certain,  that  he  that  commands  the  sea  is  at 
great  liberty,  and  may  take  as  much  and  as  little  of  the 
war  as  he  will.  Whereas  those  that  be  strongest  by  land 
are  many  times,  nevertheless,  in  great  straits.  Surely,  at 
this  day,  with  us  of  Europe,  the  vantage  of  strength  at  sea 
(which  is  one  of  the  principal  dowries  of  this  kingdom  of 
Great  Britain)  is  great ;  both  because  most  of  the  king- 
doms of  Europe  are  not  merely  inland,  but  girt  with  the 
sea  most  part  of  their  compass  ;  and  because  the  wealth  of 
both  Indies  seems,  in  great  part,  but  an  accessary  to  the 
command  of  the  seas. 

The  wars  of  latter  ages  seem  to  be  made  in  the  dark,  in 
respect  to  the  glory  and  honour  which  reflected  upon  men 
from  the  wars  in  ancient  time.  There  be  now,  for  martial 
encouragement,  some  degrees  and  orders  of  chivalry,  which, 
nevertheless,  are  conferred  promiscuously  upon  soldiers 
and  no  soldiers ;  and  some  remembrance,  perhaps,  upon 


*  Ad  AH.  X.  8. 


>y 


^    ^ 


% 


1 


r 


.t 


tie  escutcW.  and  ..™  t»'Pi'^' J",°  j°t  ^Z 

Hvpfand  moauments  for  those  that  died  m  the  wars  ;  the 

ill!  tn  inflame  all  men's  courages  ;  but,  above  aU,  that  ot 
£  trlumDramonSt  the  Eomans  was  not  pageants  or 
Itde  y  but  oToTthe  wisest  and  noblest  institutions  that 
f  ^er  wis  For  it  contained  three  things ;  honour  to  the 
/enerarriches  to  the  treasury  out  of  the  spoils,  and  dona- 
t^v^fto  the  army.  But  that  Honour,  perhaps,  were  not  fit 
r monlrS^except  it  be  in  the  person  o  ^^^ ^ 

Sf:i=^4o^aSpCpr^S^^ 

SThemsSves  and  their  sons,  for  such  wars  as  they  did 
a  man  s  body  ,  '^f  •  "^^'^he    ^^er  of  princes,  or  estates, 

XXX.    OF   REGIMEN   OF    HEALTH. 

There  is  a  wisdom  in  i^^^^^^l^  ^':i  otKhat 
man's  own  observation  ^^at  he  finds  gooao 
he  finds  hurt  of,  is    he  best  pbysic  to  preserv 

^^^  ''  :  rreLritilTnotlo^nu^ t  rnlhis.  I  find 

of  nature  in  yo^\^-jf  ^Ki^e^lf  tr^omtg  on  of 
owmg  a  ^'^n  tfil  his  age.    ^^^^  j^.       ^^111;  forage 

years,  and  tbmk  not  to  do  the  same         «     .^ 

I^iingV^y'tS^gXrue^^-e  thy  customs 


72 


Essays, 


of  diet,  sleep,  exercise,  apparel,  and  the  like ;  and  try,  in 
anything  thou  shalt  judge  hurtful,  to  discontinue  it  by 
little  and  little  ;  but  so,  as  if  thou  dost  find  any  inconve- 
nience by  the  change,  thou  come  back  to  it  again ;  for  it  is 
hard  to  distinguish  that  which  is  generally  held  good  and 
wholesome  from  that  which  is  good  particularly,  and  fit  for 
thine  own  body.     To  be  free-minded  and  cheerfully-dis- 
posed at  hours  of  meat  and  sleep,  and  of  exercise,  is  one  of 
the  best  precepts  of  long  lasting.     As  for  the  passions  and 
studies  of  the  mind ;   avoid  envy,  anxious  fears,  anger, 
fretting  inwards,  subtile  and  knotty  inquisitions,  joys  and 
exhilarations  in  excess,  sadness  not  communicated.     En- 
tertain hopes,  mirth  rather  than  joy,  variety  of  delights 
rather  than  surfeit  of  them  ;  wonder  and  admiration,  and 
therefore  novelties  ;  studies  that  fill  the  mind  with  splendid 
and  illustrious  objects,  as  histories,  fables,  and  contempla- 
tions of  nature.     If  you  fly  physic  in  health  altogether,  it 
will  be  too  strange  for  your  body  when  you  shall  need  it. 
If  you  make  it  too  familiar,  it  will  work  no  extraordinary 
effect  when  sickness  cometh.    I  commend  rather  some  diet 
for  certain  seasons,  than  frequent  use  of  physic,  except  it 
be  grown  into  a  custom ;  for  those  diets  alter  the  body 
more,  and  trouble  it  less.    Despise  no  new  accident  in 
your  body,  but  ask  opinion  of  it.     In  sickness,  respect 
heaJth  principally :  and  in  health,  action ;  for  those  that 
put  their  bodies  to  endure  in  health,  may,  in  most  sick- 
nesses which  are  not  very  sharp,  be  cured  only  with  diet 
and  tendering.     Celsus  could  never  have  spoken  it  as  a 
physician,  had  he  not  been  a  wise  man  withal,  when  he 
giveth  it  for  one  of  the  great  precepts  of  health  and  lasting, 
that  a  man  do  vary  and  interchange  contraries  ;  but  with 
an  inclination  to  the  more  benign  extreme :  use  fasting  and 
full  eating,  but  rather  full  eating ;  watching  and  sleep,  but 
rather  sleep ;  sitting  and  exercise,  but  rather  exercise,  and 
the  like  :  so  shall  nature  be  cherished,  and  yet  taught  mas- 
teries.^    Physicians  are  some  of  them  so  pleasing  and  con- 
formable to  the  humour  of  the  patient,  as  they  press  not 
the  true  cure  of  the  disease ;  and  some  other  are  so  regular 
in  proceeding  according  to  art  for  the  disease,  as  they 
respect  not  suflSciently  the  condition  of  the  patient.    Take 
one  of  a  middle  temper  ;  or,  if  it  may  not  be  found  in  one 
man,  combine  two  of  either  sort ;  and  forget  not  to  call  as 
well  the  best  acquainted  with  your  body,  as  the  best  re- 
puted of  for  his  faculty. 


) 


\ 


••  $ 


If 


Of  Suspicion, 


XXXI.    OF   SUSPICION. 


73 


•  Celsus  de  Med.  i.  1. 


Suspicions   amongst  thoughts  are   like  bats   amongst 
birds,  they  ever  fly  by  twilight.     Certainly  they  are  to  be 
repressed,  or  at  the  least  well  guarded ;  for  they  cloud 
the  mind,  they  lose  friends,  and  they  check  with  busmess, 
whereby  business  cannot  go  on  currently  and  constantly. 
They  dispose  kings  to  tyranny,  husbands  to  jealousy,  wise 
men  to  irresolution  and  melancholy.    They  are  defects, 
not  in  the  heart,  but  in  the  brain,  for  they  take  place  in 
the  stoutest  natures:  as  in  the  example  of  Henry  the 
Seventh  of  England  ;  there  was  not  a  more  suspicious  man 
nor  a  more  stout :  and  in  such  a  composition  they  do  small 
hurt.    For  commonly  they  are  not  admitted  but  with  ex- 
amination, whether  they  be  likely  or  no;  but  in  fearful 
natures  they  gain  ground  too  fast.    There  i?  -nothing 
makes  a  man  suspect  much,  more  than  to  know  little  :  and, 
therefore,  men  should  remedy  suspicion  by  procuring  to 
know  more,  and  not  to  keep  their  suspicions  in  smother. 
What  would  men  have?    Do  they  think  those  tjiey  em- 
ploy and  deal  with  are  saints?    Do  they  not  thmk  they 
will  have  their  own  ends,  and  be  truer  to  themselves  than 
to  them  P     Therefore  there  is  no  better  way  to  moderate 
suspicions,  than  to  account  upon  such  suspicions  as  true, 
and  yet  to  bridle  them  as  false :  for  so  far  a  man  ought  to 
make  use  of  suspicions  as  to  provide,  as  if  that  should  be 
true  that  he  suspects,  yet  it  may  do  him  no  hurt,     bus- 
picions  that  the  mind  of  itself  gathers  are  but  buzzes  ;  but 
suspicions  that  are  artificially  nourished,   and  put  into 
men's  heads  by  the  tales  and  whisperings  of  others,  have 
stings.     Certainly,  the  best  means  to  clear  the  way  in  this 
same  wood  of  suspicion  is  frankly  to  communicate  them 
with  the  party  that  he  suspects;  for  thereby  hf  shall  be 
Ture  to  know  more  of  the  truth  of  them  than  he  did  before  ; 
and  withal  shall  make  that  party  more  circumspect,  not  to 
give  further  cause  of  suspicion ;  but  tl^J.«  .^"'^l'^  "f*  ^« 
done  to  men  of  base  natures  ;  for  they,  if  they  find  them- 
selves once  suspected,  will  never  be  true.    The  Italian 
says,   Sospetto    licenUa  fede,  as  if  suspicion   did  give   a 
passport  to  faith ;  but  it  ought  rather  to  kindle  it  to  dis- 
charge  itself. 

XXXII.    OF  DISCOURSE. 

Some  in  their  discourse  desire  rather  commendation  of 
wit,  in  being  able  to  hold  all  arguments,  than  of  judgment 


^A 


74 


Essays. 


in  discerning  wliat  is  true  ;  as  if  it  were  a  praise  to  know 
what  might  be  said,  and  not  what  should  be  thought.  Some 
have  certain  common  places  and  themes,  wherein  they  are 
good,  and  want  variety;  which  kind  of  poverty  is  for  the 
most  part  tedious,  ana  when  it  is  once  perceived,  ridiculous. 
The  honourablest  part  of  talk  is  to  give  the  occasion;  and 
again  to  moderate  and  pass  to  somewhat  else;  for  then  a 
man  leads  the  dance.  It  is  good  in  discourse  and  speech  of 
conversation,  to  vary  and  intermingle  speech  of  the  present 
occasion  with  arguments ;  tales  with  reason ;  asking  of 
questions  with  telling  of  opinions;  and  jest  with  earnest: 
for  it  is  a  dull  thing  to  tire,  and,  as  we  say  now,  to  jade 
"  anything  too  far.  As  for  jest,  there  be  certain  things  which 
ought  to  be  privileged  from  it;  namely,  religion,  matters 
of  state,  great  persons,  any  man's  present  business  of  im- 
portance, and  any  case  that  deserveth  pity.  Yet  there  be 
some  that  think  their  wits  have  been  asleep,  except  they 
dart  out  somewhat  that  is  piquant,  and  to  the  quick  ;  that 
is  a  vein  which  would  be  bridled. 

Parce,  puer,  stimulis,  et  fortius  utere  loris.' 

And,  generally,  men  ought  to  find  the  difference  between 
saltness  and  bitterness.  Certainly,  he  that  hath  a  satirical 
vein,  as  he  maketh  others  afraid  of  his  wit,  so  he  had  need 
be  afraid  of  others'  memory.  He  that  questioneth  much 
shall  learn  much,  and  content  much;  but  especially  if  he 
apply  his  questions  to  the  skill  of  the  persons  whom  he 
asketh;  for  he  shall  give  them  occasion  to  please  them- 
selves in  speaking,  and  himself  shall  continually  gather 
knowledge.  But  let  his  questions  not  be  troublesome,  for 
that  is  fit  for  a  poser;  and  let  him  be  sure  to  leave  other 
men  their  turns  to  speak.  Nay,  if  there  be  any  that  would 
reign  and  take  up  all  the  time,  let  him  find  means  to 
take  them  off,  and  bring  others  on:  as  musicians  use  to  do 
with  those  that  dance  too  long  galliards.  If  you  dissemble 
sometimes  your  knowledge  of  that  you  are  thought  to  know, 
you  shall  be  thought  another  time  to  know  that  you  know 
not.  Speech  of  a  man's  self  ought  to  be  seldom,  and  well 
chosen.  I  knew,  one  was  wont  to  say  in  scorn,  he  must 
needs  he  a  wise  man,  he  speaks  so  much  of  himself;  and 
there  is  but  one  case  wherein  a  man  may  commend  himself 
with  good  grace,  and  that  is  in  commending  virtue  in 


Ovid.  Met.  ii.  127. 


i 


i 


#^  • . 


.•x 


V 


Of  Discmirse, 


75 


another;  especially  if  it  be  such  a  virtue  whereunto  hmi- 
self  pretendeth.  Speech  of  touch  towards  others  should 
be  sparingly  used ;  for  discourse  ought  to  be  as  a  field, 
without  coming  home  to  any  man.  I  knew  two  noblemen, 
of  the  west  part  of  England,  whereof  the  one  was  given  to 
scoff,  but  kept  ever  royal  cheer  in  his  house;  the  other 
would  ask  of  those  that  had  been  at  the  other's  table,^'Tell 
truly,  was  there  never  a  flout  or  dry  blow  given?'  To 
which  the  guest  would  answer,  *  Such  and  such  a  thmg 
passed.'  The  Lord  would  say,  a  thought  he  would  mar 
a  good  dinner.'  Discretion  of  speech  is  more  than  elo- 
quence ;  and  to  speak  agreeably  to  him  with  whom  we  deal, 
is  more  than  to  speak  in  good  words,  or  in  good  order.  A 
good  continued  speech,  without  a  good  speech  of  mter- 
locution,  shows  slowness;  and  a  good  reply,  or  second 
speech,  without  a  good  settled  speech,  showeth  shallowness 
and  weakness.  As  we  see  in  beasts,  that  those  that  are 
weakest  in  the  course,  are  yet  nimblest  in  turn;  as  it  is  be- 
twixt the  greyhound  and  the  hare.  To  use  too  many  cir- 
cumstances,  ere  one  come  to  the  matter,  is  wearisome;  to 
use  none  at  all  is  blunt. 

XXXIII.    OF    PLANTATIONS. 

Plantations  are  amongst  ancient,  primitive,  and  heroical 
works.  When  the  world  was  young  it  begat  more  child- 
ren- but  now  it  is  old  it  begets  fewer:  for  I  may  justly 
account  new  plantations  to  be  the  children  of  former  kmg- 
doms  I  like  a  plantation  in  a  pure  soil;  that  is,  where 
people  are  not  displanted  to  the  end  to  plant  in  others. 
For  else  it  is  rather  an  extirpation  than  a  plantation. 
Planting  of  countries  is  like  planting  of  woods ;  for  you 
must  make  account  to  leese  almost  twenty  years  profit, 
and  expect  your  recompense  in  the  end.  For  the  principal 
thin-  that  hath  been  the  destruction  of  most  plantations  hath 
been  the  base  and  hasty  drawing  of  profit  in  the  first  years. 
It  is  true,  speedy  profit  is  not  to  be  neglected,  as  far  as  it 
may  stand  with  the  good  of  the  plantation,  but  no  farther. 
It  is  a  shameful  and  unblessed  thing  to  take  the  scum  ot 
people  and  wicked  condemned  men,  to  be  the  people  witli 
whom  you  plant ;  and  not  only  so,  but  it  spoileth  the  plan- 
tation •  for  they  wiU  ever  five  like  rogues,  and  not  tall  to 
work  but  be  lazy,  and  do  mischief,  and  spend  victuals,  and 
be  auickly  weary,  and  then  certify  over  to  their  country  to 
the  discredit  of  the  plantation.    The  people  wherewith  you 


.•mmm 


i 


76 


Essays, 


plant  ou^lit  to  be  gardeners,  plouorlimen,  labourers,  smiths, 
carpenters,  joiners,  fishermen,  fowlers,  with  some  few 
apothecaries,  surgeons,  cooks,  and  bakers.  In  a  country 
of  plantation,  first  look  about  what  kind  of  victual  the 
country  yields  of  itself  to  hand :  as  chesnuts,  walnuts, 
pine-apples,  olives,  dates,  plums,  cherries,  wild  honey,  and 
the  like,  and  make  use  of  them.  Then  consider  what 
victual,  or  esculent  things  there  are,  which  grow  speedily, 
and  within  the  year ;  as  parsnips,  carrots,  turnips,  onions, 
radish,  artichokes  of  Jerusalem,  maize,  and  the  like.  For 
wheat,  barley,  and  oats,  they  ask  too  much  labour :  but 
with  peas  and  beans  you  may  begin ;  both  because  they 
ask  less  labour,  and  because  they  serve  for  meat  as  well  as 
for  bread.  And  of  rice  likewise  cometh  a  great  increase, 
and  it  is  a  kind  of  meat.  Above  all,  there  ought  to  be 
brought  store  of  biscuit,  oatmeal,  flour,  meal,  and  the  like, 
in  the  beginning,  till  bread  may  be  had.  For  beasts  or 
birds,  take  chiefly  such  as  are  least  subject  to  disease,  and 
multiply  fastest :  as  swine,  goats,  cocks,  hens,  turkeys, 
geese,  house-doves,  and  the  like.  The  victual  in  planta- 
tions ought  to  be  expended  almost  as  in  a  besieged  town  ; 
that  is,  with  certain  allowance.  And  let  the  main  part  of 
the  ground  employed  to  gardens  or  corn  be  to  a  common 
stock  ;  and  to  be  laid  in,  and  stored  up,  and  then  delivered 
out  in  proportion ;  besides  some  spots  of  ground  that 
any  particular  person  will  manure  for  his  own  private.^ 
Consider  likewise,  what  commodities  the  soil  where  the 

Elantation  is  doth  naturally  yield,  that  they  may  some  way 
elp  to  defray  the  charge  of  the  plantation :  so  it  be  not, 
as  was  said,  to  the  untimely  prejudice  of  the  main  business: 
as  it  hath  fared  with  tobacco  in  Virginia.  Wood  com- 
monly aboundeth  but  too  much ;  and  therefore  timber  is 
fit  to  be  one.  If  there  be  iron  ure,  and  streams  whereupon 
to  set  the  mills,  iron  is  a  brave  commodity  where  wood 
aboundeth.  Making  of  bay  salt,  if  the  climate  be  proper 
for  it,  would  be  put  in  experience.  Growing  silk,  like- 
wise, if  any  be,  is  a  likely  commodity :  pitch  and  tar,  where 
store  of  firs  and  pines  are,  will  not  fail.  So  drugs  and 
sweet  woods,  where  they  are,  cannot  but  yield  great  profit. 
Soap  ashes,  likewise,  and  other  things  that  may  be  thought 


^  Mr.  Montagu  adds  the  word  ^/.y^here,  and  Dr.  Spiers  follows  him. 
It  is  surprising  to  find  needless  words  inserted  without  a  shadow  of 
authority.  The  edition  of  1625  is  so  carefully  printed,  that  no 
alteration  ought  to  he  made  without  the  strongest  reasons. 


ri 


% 


^ 


m 


«,> 


'*  > 


1 


0/  Plantations, 


77 


of.   But  moil  not  too  much  under  ground ;  for  the  hope  of 
mines  is  very  uncertain,  and  useth  to  make  the  planters 
lazy  in  other  things.    For  government,  let  it  be  m  the 
hands  of  one,  assisted  with  some  counsel:  and  let  them 
have  commission  to  exercise  martial  laws,  with  some  limita- 
tion.    And,  above  all,  let  men  make  that  profit  of  being  m 
the  wilderness,  as  they  have  God  always  and  His  service 
before  their  eyes.     Let  not  the  government  of  the  planta- 
tion  depend  upon  too  many  counsellors  and  undertakers  m 
the  country  that  planteth,  but  upon  a  temperate  number; 
and  let  those  be  rather  noblemen  and  gentlemen  than 
merchants :  for  they  look  ever  to  the  present  gam.    Let 
there  be  freedoms  from  custom,  till  the  plantation  be  ot 
strength  ;  and  not  only  freedom  from  custom,  but  freedom 
to  carry  their  commodities  where  they  may  make  their  best 
of  them,  except  there  be  some  special  cause  of  caution. 
Cram  not  in  people  by  sending  too  fast  company  atter 
company :  but  rather  hearken  how  they  waste,  and  send 
supplies   proportionably ;    but   so   as    the  number   may 
live  well  in  the  plantation,  and  not  by  surcharge  be  in 
renury.     It  hath  been  a  great  endangering  to  the  healtH 
of  some  plantations,  that  they  have  built  along  the  sea 
and  rivers,  in  marish  and  unwholesome  grounds.     Iheve- 
fore,  though  you  begin  there  to  avoid  carriage  and  other 
like  discommodities,  yet  build  still  rather  upwards  from 
the  streams  than  along.     It  concerneth  likewise  the  health 
of  the  plantation  that  they  have  good  store  of  salt  with 
them,  that  they  may  use  it  in  their  victuals  when  it  shaU 
be  necessary.     If  you  plant  where  savages  are,  do  not  only 
entertain  them   with  trifles   and  gmgles,  but  use  them 
justly  and  graciously,  with  sufficient  guard  nevertheless : 
and  do  not  win  their  favour  by  helping  them  to  mvade 
their  enemies,  but  for  their  defence  it  is  not  amiss:  and 
send  oft  of  them  over  to  the  country  that  plants,  that  they 
may  see  a  better  condition  than  their  own,  and  commend 
it  when  they  return.    When  the  plantation  grows   to 
strength,  then  it  is  time  to  plant  with  women  as  weU  as 
with  ^en ;  that  the  plantation  may  spread  into  generations 
and  not  be  ever  pieced  from  without.    It  is  the  smfullest 
thing  in  the  world  to  forsake  or  destitute  a  plantation 
once  in  forwardness:  for,  beside  the  dishonour,  it  is  the 
gmltiness  of  blood  of  many  commiserable  persons. 


78 


Essays. 


Of  Riches. 


79 


XXXlV.    OF    RICHES. 

I  cannot  call  riches  better  than  the  baggage  of  virtue ; 
the  Eoman  word  is  better,  impedimenta.  For  as  the 
baggage  is  to  an  army,  so  is  riches  to  virtue.  It  cannot 
be  spared  nor  left  behind,  but  it  hindereth  the  march; 
yea,  and  the  care  of  it  sometimes  loseth  or  disturbeth  the 
victory.  Of  great  riches  there  is  no  real  use,  except  it  be 
in  the  distribution;  the  rest  is  but  conceit.  So  saith 
Solomon,  where  much  is,  there  are  many  to  consume  it; 
and  what  hath  the  owner  hut  the  sight  of  it  with  his  eyes'P 
The  personal  fruition  in  any  man  cannot  reach  to  feel  great 
riches  :  there  is  a  custody  of  them  ;  or  a  power  of  dole  and 
donative  of  them ;  or  a  fame  of  them ;  but  no  solid  use  to 
the  owner.  Do  you  not  see  what  feigned  prices  are  set 
upon  little  stones  and  rarities  ?  And  what  works  of  osten- 
tation are  undertaken,  because  there  might  seem  to  be 
some  use  of  great  riches  ?  But  then  you  will  say,  they 
may  be  of  use  to  buy  men  out  of  dangers  or  troubles ; 
as  Solomon  saith,  riches  are  as  a  strong  hold  in  the  ima- 
gination of  the  rich  man.^  But  this  is  excellently  ex- 
pressed, that  it  is  in  imagination,  and  not  always  in  fact. 
JFor,  certainly,  great  riches  have  sold  more  men  than  they 
have  bought  out.  Seek  not  proud  riches,  but  such  as  thou 
may  est  get  justly,  use  soberly,  distribute  cheerfully,  and 
leave  contentedly.  Yet  have  no  abstract  nor  friarly  con- 
tempt of  them ;  but  distinguish,  as  Cicero  saith  well  of 
Rabirius  Posthumus,  in  studio  rei  amplificandcB  apparehat 
non  avaritice  prcedam,  sed  instrumentum  honitati  quceri? 
Hearken  also  to  Solomon,  and  beware  of  hasty  gathering 
of  riches  ;  Quifestinat  ad  divitias,  non  erit  insons.'^  The 
poets  feign,  that  when  Plutus  (which  is  riches)  is  sent  from 
Jupiter,  he  limps,  and  goes  slowly;  but  when  he  is  sent 
from  Pluto,  he  runs,  and  is  swift  of  foot ;  meaning,  that 
riches  gotten  by  good  means  and  just  labour  pace  slowly ; 
but  when  they  come  by  the  death  of  others  (as  by  the 
course  of  inheritance,  testaments,  and  the  like),  they  come 
tumbling  upon  a  man :  but  it  might  be  applied  likewise 
to  Pluto,  taking  him  for  the  devil.    For  when  riches  come 


9  Eccl.  V.  11. 
*  Cic.  p.  Rabir.  2. 


^  Prov.  X.  15.     Cf.  xxviii.  11. 
'  Prov.  xxviii.  22. 


i  \^ 


•1  s 


J  ^ 


1 


from  the  devil  (as  by  fraud  and  oppression  and  unjust 
means),  they  come  upon  speed.  The  ways  to  enrich  are 
many,  and  most  of  them  foul.  Parsimony  is  one  of  the 
best,  and  yet  is  not  innocent :  for  it  withholdeth  men  from 
works  of  liberality  and  charity.  The  improvement  of  the 
ground  is  the  most  natural  obtaining  of  riches ;  for  it  is 
our  great  mother's  blessing,  the  earth's ;  but  it  is  slow. 
And  yet,  where  men  of  great  wealth  do  stoop  to  husbandry, 
it  multiplieth  riches  exceedingly.  I  knew  a  nobleman  in 
England  that  had  the  greatest  audits  of  any  man  in  my 
time ;  a  great  grazier,  a  great  sheep-master,  a  great  timber- 
man,  a  great  coUier,  a  great  corn-master,  a  great  lead-man, 
and  so  of  iron,  and  a  number  of  the  like  points  of  hus- 
bandry :  so  as  the  earth  seemed  a  sea  to  him  in  respect  of 
the  perpetual  importation.  It  was  truly  observed  by 
one,  *  That  himself  came  very  hardly  to  a  little  riches, 
and  very  easily  to  great  riches.'  For  when  a  man's 
stock  is  come  to  that,  that  he  can  expect  the  prime  of 
markets,  and  overcome  those  bargains  which  for  their  great- 
ness are  few  men's  money,  and  be  partner  in  the  industries 
of  younger  men,  he  cannot  but  increase  mainly.  The  gains 
of  ordinary  trades  and  vocations  are  honest;  and  furthered 
by  two  things,  chiefly,  by  diligence,  and  by  a  good  name 
for  good  and  fair  dealing.  But  the  gains  of  bargains  are 
of  a  more  doubtful  nature;  when  men  shall  wait  upon 
others'  necessity,  broke  by  servants  and  instruments  to 
draw  them  on,  put  off  others  cunningly  that  would  be 
better  chapmen,  and  the  like  practices,  which  are  crafty 
and  naught.  As  for  the  chopping  of  bargains,  when  a  man 
buys  not  to  hold,  but  to  sell  over  again,  that  commonly 
grindeth  double,  both  upon  the  seller  and  upon  the  buyer. 
Sharings  do  greatly  enrich,  if  the  hands  be  well  chosen 
that  are  trusted.  Usury  is  the  certainest  means  of  gain, 
though  one  of  the  worst,  as  that  whereby  a  man  doth  eat 
his  bread,  in  sudorevultus  alieni:  and,  besides,  doth  plough 
upon  Sundays.  But  yet  certain  though  it  be,  it  hath  flaws: 
for  that  the  scriveners  and  brokers  do  value  unsound  men 
to  serve  their  own  turn.  The  fortune  in  being  the  first  in 
an  invention,  or  in  a  privilege,  doth  cause  sometimes  a 
wonderful  overgrowth  in  riches ;  as  it  was  with  the  first 
sugar-man  in  the  Canaries:  therefore,  if  a  man  can  play 
the  true  logician,  to  have  as  well  judgment  as  invention,  he 
may  do  great  matters,  especially  if  the  times  be  fit.  He 
that  resteth  upon  gains  certain  shall  hardly  grow  to  great 
riches :  and  he  that  puts  all  ujpon  adventures,  doth  often- 


'•* 


^ 


so 


Essays. 


times  break  and  come  to  poverty :  it  is  good,  therefore,  to 
guard  adventures  with  certainties  that  may  uphold  losses. 
Monopolies,  and  coemption  of  wares  for  resale,  \^  here  they 
are  not  restrained,  are  great  means  to  enrich;  especially  if 
the  party  have  intelligence  what  things  are  like  to  come 
into  request,  and  so  store  himself  beforehand.  Hiches 
gotten  by  service,  though  it  be  of  the  best  rise,  yet  when 
they  are  gotten  by  flattery,  feeding  humours,  and  other 
servile  conditions,  they  may  be  placed  amongst  the  worst. 
As  for  fishing  for  testaments  and  executorships  (as  Tacitus 
saith  of  Seneca,  testamenta  et  orhos  tanquam  indagine  capi"*) 
it  is  yet  w-orse,  by  how  much  men  submit  themselves  to 
meaner  persons  than  in  service.  Believe  not  much  them 
that  seem  to  despise  riches;  for  they  despise  them  that 
despair  of  them ;  and  none  worse  when  they  come  to  them. 
Be  not  penny-wise;  riches  have  wings;  and  sometimes  they 
fly  away  of  themselves,  sometimes  they  must  be  set  flying 
to  bring  in  more.  Men  leave  their  riches  either  to  their 
kindred  or  to  the  public:  and  moderate  portions  prosper 
best  in  both.  A  great  estate  left  to  an  heir,  is  as  a  lure  to 
all  the  birds  of  prey  round  about  to  seize  on  him,  if  he  be 
not  the  better  established  in  years  and  judgment.  Like- 
wise, glorious  gifts  and  foundations  are  like  sacrifices 
w  ithout  salt;  and  but  the  painted  sepulchres  of  alms,  which 
soon  will  putrefy  and  corrupt  inwardly.  Therefore  measure 
not  thine  advancements  by  quantity,  but  frame  them  by 
measure,  and  defer  not  charities  till  death:  for  certainly,  if 
a  man  weigh  it  rightly,  he  that  doth  so,  is  rather  liberal  of 
another  man's  than  of  his  own. 


XXXV.    OF   PROPHECIES. 

I  mean  not  to  speak  of  divine  prophecies,  nor  of  heathen 
oracles,  nor  of  natural  predictions:  but  only  of  prophecies 
that  have  been  of  certain  memory,  and  from  hidden  causes. 
Saith.  the  Pythonissa  to  Saul,^  '  To-morrow  thou  and  thy 
sons  shall  be  with  me.'  Virgil  hath  these  verses  from 
Homer: 

At  domus  iEneaj  cunctis  dorainabitiir  oris, 
Et  nati  natorum,  et  qui  nasceutur  ab  illis.^ 


*  Tacit.  Au?i.  xiii.  42. 

^  u£/i.  iii.  97. 


*  1  Sam.  xxviii.  19. 


'/f 


1^ 


0/ Prophecies.  81 

A  prophecy,  as  it  seems,  of  the  Eoman  empire.     Seneca, 
the  tragedian,  hath  these  verses: 

Venient  annis 
Saecula  seris,  quibus  Oceanus 
Vinciila  reruni  laxet,  et  ingens 
Pateat  Tellus,  Tethysque  novos 
Detegat  orbes ;  nee  sit  terris 
Ultima  Thule :' 

a  prophecy  of  the  discovery  of  America.  The  daughter  of 
Polycrates  dreamed  that  Jupiter  bathed  her  father,  and 
Apollo  anointed  him;  and  it  came  to  pass  that  he  was 
crucified  in  an  open  place,  where  the  sun  made  his  body 
run  with  sweat,  and  the  rain  washed  it.^  Philip  of  Macedon 
dreamed  he  sealed  up  his  wife's  belly;  whereby  he  did 
expound  it,  that  his  wife  should  be  barren;  but  Aristander, 
the  soothsayer,  told  him  that  his  wife  was  with  child, 
because  men  do  not  use  to  seal  vessels  that  are  enipty.9  ^ 
phantasm  that  appeared  to  M.  Brutus  in  his  tent,  said  to 
him,  Fhilippis  iterum  me  videhis}  Tiberius  said  to  Galba, 
Tu  quoque,  Galba,  degustahis  imperium.^  In  Vespasian's 
time  there  went  a  prophecy  in  the  East,  that  those  that 
should  come  forth  of  Judas  should  reign  over  the  world ; 
which  though  it  may  be  was  meant  of  our  Saviour,  yet 
Tacitus  expounds  it  of  Vespasian.^  Domitian  dreamed,  the 
night  before  he  was  slain,  that  a  golden  head  was  growing 
out  of  the  nape  of  his  neck;^  and  indeed  the  succession 
that  followed  him  for  many  years  made  golden  times. 
Henry  the  Sixth  of  England  said  of  Henry  the  Seventh, 
when  he  was  a  lad,  and  gave  him  water,  *  This  is  the  lad 
that  shall  enioy  the  crown  for  which  we  strive.  When  i 
was  in  France,  I  heard  from  one  Dr.  Pena,  that  the  queen 
mother,  who  was  given  to  curious  arts,  caused  the  king 
her  husband's  nativity  to  be  calculated  under  a  false  name : 
and  the  astrologer  gave  a  judgment,  that  he  should  be 
killed  in  a  duel;  at  which  the  queen  laughed,  thinkmg  her 
husband  to  be  above  challenges  and  duels :  but  he  was  slam 
upon  a  course  at  tilt,  the  splinters  ot  the  staff  of  Mont- 
gomery going  in  at  his  beaver.   The  trivial  prophecy  which 


7  Sen.  Med.  ii.  375. 

»  riut.  vit.  Alex.  2. 

«  Suet.  vit.  Gall.  4. 

*  Suet.  vit.  Domit.  23. 


8  Herod,  iii.  124. 

1  Appian.  Bell.  Civ.  iv.  134. 

3  Eist.  v.  13. 


a 


82 


Essays. 


I  heard  when  I  was  a  child,  and  queen  Elizabeth  was  in 
the  flower  of  her  years,  was, 

When  hempe  is  spun 
England's  done : 

whereby  it  was  generally  conceived,  that  after  the  princes 
had  reigned  which  had  the  principal  letters  of  that  word 
hempe  (which  were  Henry,  Edward,  Mary,  Philip,  and 
Elizabeth),  England  should  come  to  utter  confusion ; 
which,  thanks  be  to  God,  is  verified  in  the  change  of  the 
name ;  for  the  king's  style  is  no  more  of  England  but  of 
Britain.  There  was  also  another  prophecy  before  the  year 
of  eighty-eight,  which  I  do  not  well  understand. 

There  shall  be  seen  upon  a  day, 
Between  the  Baugh  and  the  May, 
The  black  fleet  of  Norway. 
"When  that  that  is  come  and  gone, 
England  build  houses  of  lime  and  stone. 
For  after  wars  shall  you  have  none. 

It  was  generally  conceived  to  be  meant  of  the  Spanish  fleet 
that  came  in  eighty-eight:  for  that  the  king  of  Spain's 
surname,  as  they  say,  is  Norway.  The  prediction  of 
Kegiomontanus, 

Octogesimus  octavus  mirabilis  annus, 

was  thought  likewise  accomplished  in  the  sending  of  that 
great  fleet,  being  the  greatest  in  strength,  though  not  in 
number,  of  all  that  ever  swam  upon  the  sea.  As  for  Cleon's 
dream,^  I  think  it  was  a  jest;  it  was,  that  he  was  devoured 
of  a  long  dragon,  and  it  was  expounded  of  a  maker  of 
sausages,  that  troubled  him  exceedingly.  There  are 
numbers  of  the  like  kind:  especially  if  you  include  dreams 
and  predictions  of  astrology;  but  I  have  set  down  these 
few  only  of  certain  credit  for  example.  My  judgment  is, 
that  they  ought  all  to  be  despised,  and  ought  to  serve  but  for 
winter-talk  by  the  fire-side.  Though  when  I  say  despised, 
I  mean  it  as  for  belief:  for  otherwise,  the  spreading  or 
publishing  of  them  is  in  no  sort  to  be  despised,  for  they  have 
done  much  mischief;  and  I  see  many  severe  laws  made  to 
suppress  them.  That  that  hath  given  them  grace,  and 
some  credit,  consisteth  in  three  things.  Eirst,  that  men 
mark  when  they  hit,  and  never  mark  when  they  miss;  as 


Vid,  Aristoph.  E^uit,  195,  seq. 


J 


UK 


M 
/    I 

♦f 
\  '• 


^' 


ik 


^ 


>/ 


t 

« 


0> 


Of  Prophecies, 


83 


they  do  generally  also  of  dreams.  The  second  is,  that 
probable  conjectures,  or  obscure  traditions  many  times 
turn  themselves  into  prophecies:  while  the  nature  of  man, 
which  coveteth  divination,  thinks  it  no  peril  to  foretell 
that  which  indeed  they  do  but  collect:  as  that  of  Seneca's 
verse.  Eor  so  much  was  then  subject  to  demonstration, 
that  the  globe  of  the  earth  had  great  parts  beyond  the 
Atlantic,  which  might  be  probably  conceived  not  to  be  all 
sea:  and  adding  thereto  the  tradition  in  Plato's  Timajus, 
and  his  Atlanticus,^  it  might  encourage  one  to  turn  it  to  a 
prediction.  The  third  and  last  (which  is  the  great  one),  is, 
that  almost  all  of  them,  being  infinite  in  number,  have 
been  impostures,  and  by  idle  and  crafty  brains  merely 
contrived  and  feigned  after  the  event  passed. 


XXXVI.    OF   AMBITION. 

Ambition  is  like  choler,  which  is  a  humour  that  maketh 
men  active,  earnest,  full  of  alacrity,  and  stirring,  if  it  be 
not  stopped.  But  if  it  be  stopped,  and  cannot  have  its 
way,  it  becometh  adust,  and  thereby  malign  and  venomous. 
So  ambitious  men,  if  they  find  the  way  open  for  their  rising, 
and  still  get  forward,  they  are  rather  busy  than  dangerous; 
but  if  they  be  checked  in  their  desires,  they  become  secretly 
discontent,  and  look  upon  men  and  matters  with  an  evil 
eye;  and  are  best  pleased  when  things  go  backward; 
which  is  the  worst  property  in  a  servant  of  a  prince  or 
state.  Therefore  it  is  good  for  princes,  if  they  use  ambi- 
tious men,  to  handle  it  so  as  they  be  still  progressive,  and 
not  retrograde,  which,  because  it  cannot  be  without  incon- 
venience, it  is  good  not  to  use  such  natures  at  all.  For  if 
they  rise  not  with  their  service,  they  will  take  order  to 
make  their  service  fall  with  them.  But  since  we  have 
said,  it  were  good  not  to  use  men  of  ambitious  natures, 
except  it  be  upon  necessity,  it  is  fit  we  speak  in  what  cases 
they  are  of  necessity.  Good  commanders  in  the  wars  must 
be  taken,  be  they  never  so  ambitious:  for  the  use  of  their 
service  dispenseth  with  the  rest;  and  to  take  a  soldier 
without  ambition  is  to  puU  ofi*  his  spurs.  There  is  also 
ereat  use  of  ambitious  men  in  being  screens  to  princes  m 
matters  of  danger  and  envy:  for  no  man  will  take  that 
part  except  he  be  like  a  seeled  dove,  that  mounts  and 

®  Critias. 

a2 


84 


Essays, 


mounts  because  he  cannot  see  about  him.     There  is  use 
also  of  ambitious  men  in  pulling  down  the  greatness  of  any 
subject  that  overtops;  as  Tiberius  used  Macro  in  the  pulling 
down  of  Sejanus.     Since,  therefore,  they  must  be  used  iu 
such  cases,  there  resteth  to   speak  how  they  are  to  be 
bridled,  that  they  may  be  less  dangerous ;   there  is  less 
danger  of  them  if  they  be  of  mean  birth  than  if  they  be 
noble;  and  if  thev  be  rather  harsh  of  nature  than  gracious 
and  popular:  and  if  they  be  rather  new  raised,  than  grown 
eunmng  and  fortified  in  their  greatness.     It  is  counted  by 
some  a  weakness  in  princes  to  have  favourites;  but  it  is, 
of  all  others,  the  best  remedy  against  ambitious   great 
ones.     For  when  the  way  of  pleasuring  and  displeasuring 
lieth  by  the  favourite,  it  is  impossible  any  other  should  be 
over  great.     Another  means  to  curb  them  is  to  balance 
them  by  others  as  proud  as  they.   But  then  there  must  be 
some  middle  counsellors,  to  keep  things  steady;  for  with- 
out that  ballast  the  ship  will  roll  too  much.     At  the  least, 
a  prmce  may  animate  and  inure  some  meaner  persons  to 
be,  as  it  were,  scourges  to  ambitious  men.     As  for  the 
having  of  them  obnoxious  to  ruin,  if  they  be  of  fearful 
natures,  it  may  do  well;  but  if  they  be  stout  and  daring,  it 
may  precipitate  their  designs,  and  prove  dangerous      As 
for  the  pulling  of  them  down,  if  the  ajQTairs  require  it,  and 
that  It  may  not  be  done  with  safety  suddenly,  the  only  way 
IS  the  interchange  continually  of  favours  and  disgraces  • 
whereby  they  may  not  know  what  to  expect,  and  be,  as  it 
were,  in   a  wood.     Of  ambitions,  it  is  less  harmful  the 
ambition  to  prevail  in   great  things,  than  that  other  to 
appear  in  everything;  for  that  breeds  confusion,  and  mars 
business:  but  yet  it  is  less  danger  to  have  an  ambitious 
man  stirring  in  business,  than  great  in  dependencies      He 
that  seeketh  to  be  eminent  amongst  able  men  hath  a  great 
task;  but  that  IS  ever  good  for  the  public.     But  he  that 
plots  to  be  the  only  figure  amongst  ciphers  is  the  decay  of 
a  whole  age    Honour  hath  three  things  in  it;  the  vantage- 
ground  to  do  good;  the  approach  to  kings  and  principal 
persons;  and  the  raising  of  a  man's  own  fortunes.   He  that 
iiath  the  best  of  these  intentions,  when  he  aspireth  is  an 
honest  man;  and  that  prince,  that  can  discern  of  these 
intentions  in  another  that  aspireth,  is  a  wise  prince    Gene- 
rally let  princes  and  states  choose  such  ministers  as  are 
more  sensible  of  duty  than  of  rising;  and  such  as  love  busi- 
ness rather  upon  conscience  than  upon  bravery  and  let 
them  discern  a  busy  nature  from  a  wilhng  mind 


■I    ^- 

r 


^.    »v 


4j 


f  I 


^\ 


V 


^ 


^v 


^ 


^ 


VI 


•  ,  V( 


i 
c 


4 


i 


Of  Masques  and  Triumphs,        -  85 

XXXVII.    OF   MASQUES   AND   TRIUMPHS. 

These  things  are  but  toys  to  come  amongst  such  serious 
observations ;  but  yet,  since  princes  will  have  such  things, 
it  is  better  they  should  be  graced  with  elegancy  than 
daubed  with  cost.     Dancing  to  song  is  a  thing  of  great 
state  and  pleasure.     I  understand  it  that  the  song  be  in 
quire,  placed  aloft,  and  accompanied  with  some  broken 
music ;  and  the  ditty  fitted  to  the  device.    Acting  in  song, 
especially  in  dialogues,  hath  an  extreme  good  grace  ;  I  say 
acting,  not  dancing  (for  that  is  a  mean  and  vulgar  thing) ; 
and  the  voices  of  the  dialogue  would  be  strong  and  manly 
(a  bass  and  a  tenor,  no  treble),  and  the  ditty  high  and 
tragical,  not  nice  or  dainty.     Several  quires  placed  one 
over  against  another,  and  taking  the  voice  by  catches 
anthem  wise,  give  great  pleasure.    Turning  dances  into 
figure  is  a   childish   curiosity;    and  generally  let   it  be 
noted,  that  those  things  which  I  here  set  down  are  such  as 
do  naturally  take  the  sense,  and  not  respect  petty  wonder- 
ments.    It  is  true,  the  alterations  of  scenes,  so  it  be  quietly 
and  without  noise,  are  things  of  great  beauty  and  pleasure ; 
for  they  feed  and  relieve  the  eye  before  it  be  full  of  the 
same  object.    Let  the  scenes  abound  with  light,  especially 
coloured  and  varied :  and  let  the  masquers,  or  any  other 
that  are  to  come  down  from  the  scene,  have  some  motions 
upon  the  scene  itself  before  their  coming  down ;  for  it 
draws  the  eye  strangely,  and  makes  it  with  great  pleasure 
to  desire  to  see  that  it  cannot  perfectly  discern.     Let  the 
songs  be  loud  and  cheerful,  and  not  chirpings  or  pulmgs. 
Let  the  music  likewise  be  sharp  and  loud,  and  well  placed. 
The  colours  that  show  best  by  candle-hght  are  white, 
carnation,  and  a  kind  of  sea-water  green ;  and  oes,^  or 
spangs,  as  they  are  of  no  great  cost,  so  they  are  of  most 
glory.     As  for  rich  embroidery,  it  is  lost  and  not  dis- 
cerned.     Let  the  suits  of  the  masquers  be  graceful,  and 
such  as  become  the  person  when  the  vizars  are  off:  not 
after  examples  of  known  attires  ;  Turks,  soldiers,  mariners, 
and  the  like.     Let  antimasques  not  be  long ;  they  have 
been  commonly  of  fools,  satyrs,  baboons,  wild  men,  antics, 
beasts,    sprites,    witches,    Ethiopes,    pigmies,    turquets, 
nymphs,  rustics,  Cupids,  statues  moving,  and  the  like.  As 

'  Montagu  and   Spiers  take  the  liberty  of  altering  this  word  to 
ouches. 


86 


Essays, 


for  angels,  it  is  not  comical  enougli  to  put  them  in  anti- 
masques  ;  and  anything  that  is  hideous,  as  devils,  giants, 
IS,  on  the  other  side,  as  unfit.  But  chiefly,  let  the  music 
of  them  be  recreative,  and  with  some  strange  changes. 
Some  sweet  odours  suddenly  coming  forth,  without  any 
drops  falling,  are,  in  such  a  company  as  there  is  steam  and 
heat,  things  of  great  pleasure  and  refreshment.  Double 
masques,  one  of  men,  another  of  ladies,  addeth  state  and 
variety;  but  all  is  nothing,  except  the  room  be  kept  clear 
and  neat. 

For  justs,  and  tourneys,  and  barriers,  the  glories  of  them 
are  chiefly  in  the  chariots,  wherein  the  challengers  make 
their  entry;  especially  if  they  be  drawn  with  strange  beasts, 
as  lions,  bears,  camels,  and  the  like :  or  in  the  devices  of 
their  entrance,  or  in  the  bravery  of  their  liveries,  or  in  the 
goodly  furniture  of  their  horses  and  armour.  But  enough 
of  these  toys. 

XXXVIIT.    OF  NATURE   IN   MEN. 

Nature  is  often  hidden,  sometimes  overcome,  seldom 
extinguished.    Force  maketh  nature  more  violent  in  re- 
turn ;  doctrine  and  discourse  maketh  nature  less  importune 
but  custom  only  doth  alter  and  subdue  nature.     He  that 
seeketh  victory  over  his  nature,  let  him  not  set  himself  too 
great  nor  too  small  tasks :    for  the  first  will  make  him 
dejected  by  often  failings,  and  the  second  will  make  him 
a  sma  1  proceeder,  though  by  often  prevailings.  And,  at  the- 
farst,  let  him  practice  with  helps,  as  swimmers  do  with 
bladders,  or  rushes;  but,  after  a  time,  let  him  practice^ 
with  disadvantages,  as  dancers  do  with  thick  shoes      For 
It  breeds  great  perfection  if  the  practice  be  harder  than 
the  use.    Where  nature  is  mighty,  and  therefore  the 
victory  hard,  the  degrees  had  need  be ;  first  to  stay  and 
arrest  nature  in  time  ;  like  to  him  that  would  say  over  the 
four  and  twenty  letters  when  he  was  angry:  then  to  ffo 
less  in  quantity:  as  if  one  should,  in  forbearing  wine  come 
trom  drinking  healths  to  a  draught  at  a  meal:  and,  lastly 
to  discontinue  altogether.   But  if  a  man  have  the  fortitude 
and  resolution  to  enfranchise  himself  at  once,  that  is  the 
ueSu : 

Optimiis  ille  animi  vindex,  laedentia  pectus 
Vincula  qui  rupit,  dedoluitque  semel.*' 


Of  Nature  in  Men, 


87 


®  Ovid.  R.  Amor,  293. 


*.•  f  "> 


y 


Mr 


'l\ 


V 

r 


Neither  is  the  ancient  rule  amiss,  to  bend  nature  as  a 
wand  to  a  contrary  extreme,  whereby  to  set  it  right :  un- 
derstanding it  where  the  contrary  extreme  is  no  vice.    Let 
not  a  man  force  a  habit  upon  himself  with  a  perpetual  con- 
tinuance, but  with  some  intermission.    For  both  the  pause 
reinforceth  the  new  onset ;  and,  if  a  man  that  is  not  perfect 
be  ever  in  practice,  he  shall  as  well  practice  his  errors  as 
his  abilities,  and  induce  one  habit  of  both;  and  there  is  no 
means  to  help  this  but  by  seasonable  intermissions.     But 
let  not  a  man  trust  his  victory  over  his  nature  too  far ;  for 
nature  will  lie  buried  a  great  time,  and  yet  revive  upon 
the  occasion,  or  temptation.     Like  as  it  was  with  ^sop's 
damsel,  turned  from  a  cat  to  a  woman,  who  sat  very  de- 
murely at  the  board's  end  till  a  mouse  ran  before  her. 
Therefore,  let  a  man  either  avoid  the  occasion  altogether, 
or  put  himself  often  to  it,  that  he  may  be  little  moved  with 
it.     A  man's  nature  is  best  perceived  in  privateness,  for 
there  is  no  affectation ;  in  passion,  for  that  putteth  a  man 
out  of  his  precepts  ;  and  in  a  new  case  or  experiment,  for 
there  custom  leaveth  him.     They  are  happy  men  whose 
natures  sort  with  their  vocations;   otherwise  they  may 
say,  multum  incolafuit  anima  Tnea,  when  they  converse  in 
those  things  they  do  not  affect.     In  studies,  whatsoever  a 
man  commandeth  upon  himself,  let  him  set  hours  for  it: 
but  whatsoever  is  agreeable  to  his  nature,  let  him  take  no 
care  for  any  set  times;  for  his  thoughts  will  fly  to  it  of 
themselves ;  so  as  the  spaces  of  other  business  or  studies 
will  suffice.   A  man's  nature  runs  either  to  herbs  or  weeds; 
therefore  let  him  seasonably  water  the  one,  and  destroy 
the  other. 

XXXIX.    OF   CUSTOM   AND    EDUCATION. 

Men's  thoughts  are  much  according  to  their  inclination ; 
their  discourse  and  speeches  according  to  their  learning 
and  infused  opinions;  but  their  deeds  are  after  as  they 
have  been  accustomed.  And  therefore  as  Machiavel  well 
noteth  (though  in  an  evil  favoured  instance),  there  is  no 
trusting  to  the  force  of  nature,  nor  to  the  bravery  of  words, 
except  it  be  corroborate  by  custom.^  His  instance  is,  that 
for  the  achieving  of  a  desperate  conspiracy,  a  man  should 


»  Vid.  Bisc,  sop,  Liv,  iii.  6. 


\ 


88 


Essays, 


not  rest  upon  the  fierceness  of  any  man's  nature,  or  his 
resolute  undertakings  ;  but  take  such  a  one  as  hath  had  his 
hands  formerly  in  blood.     But  Machiavel  knew  not  of  a 
friar  Clement,  nor  a   Eavaillac,  nor  a  Jaureguy,  nor  a 
Baltazar  Gerard  ;i  yet  this  rule  holdeth  still,  that  nature, 
nor  the  engagement  of  words,  are  not  so  forcible  as  custom. 
Only  superstition  is  now  so  well  advanced  that  men  of  the 
first  blood  are  as  firm  as  butchers  by  occupation :  and 
votary  resolution  is  made  equipollent  to  custom  even  in 
matter  of  blood.     In  other  things,  the  predominancy  of 
custom  IS  everywhere  visible ;  insomuch  as  a  man  would 
wonder  to  hear  men  profess,  protest,  engage,  give  great 
words,  and  then  do  just  as  they  have  done  before :  as  if 
they  were  dead  images  and  engines,  moved  only  by  the 
wheels  of  custom.     We  see  also  the  reign  or  tyranny  of 
custom,  what  it  is.     The  Indians  (I  mean  the  sect  of  their 
wise  men)  lay  themselves  quietly  upon  a  stack  of  wood, 
and  so  sacrifice  themselves  by  fire :  nay,  the  wives  strive 
to  be  burned  with  tht>  corpses  of  their  husbands.    The  lads 
ot  feparta,  of  ancient  time,  were  wont  to  be  scourged  upon 
the  altar  of  Diana,  without  so  much  as  queching.^    I  re- 
member in  the  beginning  of  Queen  Elizabeth's  time  of 
Jl^ngland,  an  Irish  rebel  condemned  put  up  a  petition  to 
the  deputy  that  he  might  be  hanged  in  a  withe,  and  not  in 
a  halter,  because  it  had  been  so  used  with  former  rebels 
Ihere  be  monks  in  Eussia,  for  penance  that  will  sit  a 
whole  night  in  a  vessel  of  water,  till  they  be  engaged  with 
hard  ice.     Many  examples  may  be  put  of  the  force  of 
custom,  both   upon  mind   and   body.      Therefore,  since 
custom  IS  the  principal  magistrate  of  man's  life,  let  men 
by  all  means  endeavour  to  obtain  good  customs.    Certainlv 
custom  IS  most  perfect  when  it  beginneth  in  young  vears  • 
this  we  call  education,  which  is,  in  effect,  but  an  earlv 
custom,     bo  we  see,  in  languages  the  tone  is  more  pliant 
to  all  expressions  and  sounds,  the  joints  are  more  supple 
to  all  feats  of  activity  and  motions  in  youth  than  after- 
wards ;  tor  it  is  true,  the  late  learners  cannot  so  well  take 
the  ply  except  It  be  in  some  minds  that  have  not  suffered 
themselves  to  fix,   but  have  kept  themselves   open  and 


Of  Custom  and  Education, 


89 


HpnrT  TTT     1  .Qof  i^^'  ^"xt^^  ^^^'^  P'^^°"«  «^^^^"^  assassinated 
SanYp  H^hI       >^^^  Henry  IV.  of  France  (1610),  and  the  Prince  of 

rAf^^l^-^^^A,''^^^'^  ^'^^  Jaureguy  bad  attempted  in  1582 

'  Vid.  Cic.  TusciiL  Bisj).  ii.  14. 


r 


f! 


i   i 


'J 


\-lM. 


y 


prepared  to  receive  continual  amendment,  which  is  exceed- 
ing rare.  But  if  the  force  of  custom  simple  and  separate 
be  great,  the  force  of  custom,  copulate  and  conjoined  and 
collegiate  is  far  greater.  For  there  example  teacheth, 
company  comforteth,  emulation  quickeneth,  glory  raiseth ; 
so  as  in  such  places  the  force  of  custom  is  in  his  exalta- 
tion. Certainly,  the  great  multiplication  of  virtues  upon 
human  nature  resteth  upon  societies  well  ordained  and  dis- 
ciplined. For  commonwealths  and  good  governments  do 
nourish  virtue  grown,  but  do  not  much  mend  the  seeds. 
But  the  misery  is,  that  the  most  effectual  means  are  now 
applied  to  the  ends  least  to  be  desired. 


XL.    OF   FORTUNE. 

It  cannot  be  denied  but  outward  accidents  conduce  much 
to  fortune :  favour,  opportunity,  death  of  others,  occasion 
fitting  virtue.  But  chiefly  the  mould  of  a  man's  fortune  is 
in  his  own  hands.  Faher  quisque  fortunce  suce,  saith  the 
poet.^  And  the  most  frequent  of  external  causes  is,  that  the 
folly  of  one  man  is  the  fortune  of  another.  For  no  man 
prospers  so  suddenly  as  by  other's  errors.  Serpens,  nisi 
serpentem  comederit,  non  fit  draco.  Overt  and  apparent 
virtues  bring  forth  praises  :  but  there  be  secret  and  hidden 
virtues  that  bring  forth  fortunes,  certain  deliveries  of  a  man's 
self,  which  have  no  name.  The  Spanish  name,  desemhoUura, 
partly  expresseth  them:  when  there  be  not  stonds  nor 
restiveness  in  a  man's  nature ;  but  that  the  wheels  of  his 
mind  keep  way  with  the  wheels  of  his  fortune.  For  so 
Livy  after  he  had  described  Cato  Major  in  these  words, 
In  illo  viro  tantum  rohur  corporis  et  animifuit,  ut  quocum- 


3  Dr.  Spiers  quotes  a  passage  from  the  treatise  He  'Rejnihlica 
Ordinanda,  in  which  this  adage  is  found,  and  attributed  to  Appius. 
As  Bacon  quotes  that  work  more  than  once  in  the  Advancement  of 
Learni7ig,  there  can  be  no  doubt  he  had  read  it.  But  from  his 
language  in  another  place  {Adv.  of  Learn,  ii.  23,  8),  I  am  inclined 
to  think  that  he  had  forgotten  where  he  had  met  with  the  phrase, 
and  thought  it  had  grown  out  of  a  passage  in  Plautus  {Trin.  ii.  2, 
87).  The  point  is  of  no  consequence,  except  as  an  example  of  his 
neglect  or  inability  to  verify  his  quotations.  Most  probably,  like 
many  men  of  tenacious  memory,  he  was  better  able  to  recall  the 
w^ords  of  a  passage  that  had  struck  him  than  the  name  of  the  book 
whence  it  came. 


90 


Essays, 


Of  Usury, 


n 


fore  if  «\nL  T  ,      ,  ^'^ ,  "^  versatile  ingenium.     TLere 
&ne    fTiVsfef  V'^,  attentive^  he  sball  see 

is  a  meetinn:  or  tnot  of.  ^  "l^lken  nay  n  the  sky ;  which 
asunder,  but  rivin"°Lh ^7°;? '^  <'^«™''"  ^^^^s ;  not  seen 
of  little  and  f cVrcf  &l^}'-\  ^"^  ^''^  ^^^^^  ^  "'^'"ber 
and  custo^l  E^atrnloSTe'  Ve^T,''^^"'"^^ 

in  into'^liL  other  condtioTH  ^'^  ^^T^  'l'^^'^^^  ^^^'^^ 
and,  certainly  there  bfnotfwo  ^'  ^'^^'^  ^'^'^'^  '^'^  ^««<'' 
than  to  have  a  little  of  ?bi  fn  i    ""J  fo'-'unate  properties, 

Fortune  s  to  be  honouredlH      °^  T^/^^'  ^^^  ^^le  man. 

her  daughters.  ConEe  ^nd  32  on'"2  tV  '"f -^^ 
felicity  breedeth  •  tlie  fir=f    ' ;^, -^Pn^ation  ;  lor  those  two 

in  others  towards  1  m  ^11  w  1"°  **  '"^^  « /^If ;  the  latter 
of  their  own  virtues  use  i^  I!'  TV  ^"'^^'''  **»«  ^"^7 
and  Fortune  for  so' tW^  ascribe  them  to  Providenci 
and,  besides,  it1^.:reSss^n^^!  ^f^f  T"""^'  t^em  : 
higher  powers,     sf  C^sar  ^afd  to  th".    'l  ^'  ■^tr''^  ""^  ^^^ 

name  o(  Felix,  and  not  Sfl^.^  VJ i^'^*"'!*^" 
noted,  that  those  that  ascribe  Xnly  too  much 'to  »'''' 
own  wisdom  and  nnlinTr  ^r,^        k^^^J  ^^^  mucli  to  their 

that  Timoth^us  the  A  henian  ^ft  ,  "^f^'j  -^^  ^«  ^""ea 
he  gave  to  the  state  nfi'  "''"  ^'^  ^*'''  '^  *be  account 
this^speeS,  Jirft1/l-li'^„!7^7™^°t.  often  interlaced 
in  anything  he  uS^Sterwir^^^^^^^^^^ 
whose  fortune  are  like  TTomot^J  ^-  9f  Mainly  there  be 
and   easiness  more  than TbJ  v^'"''''/''^!^^^^  ^  «"de 

Plutarch  saith  of  Ti^on's  fortuT/i  °^  ''''^'l  l"'''  =  «« 
Agesilaus  or  Epaminondas  «  Zah  V^'.f.^P''?*  of  that  of 
doubt  it  is  mucfi^a  man's  self  '^^  *^^'  '^^^'^^  ^e.  no 


Plut.  vit.  Cccs.  38. 


•  Vii.  Ti.oL  36.     '  "''"'•  ^^''-  ^^- 


'f  )f'J 

V 


f 


a    ^ 


f  H 


.X.' 


rV 


XLI.    OF   USURY. 

Many  have  made  witty  invectives  against  nsury.  They 
say  that  it  is  pity  the  devil  should  have  God's  part,  which 
is  the  tithe:  that  the  usurer  is  the  greatest  sabbath- 
breaker,  because  his  plough  goeth  every  Sunday;  that 
the  usurer  is  the  drone  that  Virgil  speaketh  of: 

Ignavum  fucos  pecus  a  prsesepibus  arcent ;' 

that  the  usurer  breaketh  the  first  law  that  was  made  for 
mankind  after  the  fall,  which  was,  in  sudore  vultus  tut 
comedes  jpanem  tuum;^  not,  in  sudore  vultus  alieni;  that 
usurers  sliould  ]iave  orange-tawny  bonnets,  because  they 
do  judaize;  that  it  is  against  nature  for  money  to  \ 
beget  money,  and  the  like.  I  say  this  only,  that  usury  is 
a  concessum  propter  duritiem  cordis:^  for  since  there  must 
be  borrowing  and  lending,  and  men  are  so  hard  of  heart  as 
they  will  not  lend  freely,  usury  must  be  permitted.  Some 
others  have  made  suspicious  and  cunning  propositions  of 
banks,  discovery  of  men's  estates,  and  other  inventions ; 
but  few  have  spoken  of  usury  usefully.  It  is  good  to  set 
before  us  the  incommodities  and  commodities  of  usury, 
that  the  good  may  be  either  weighed  out,  or  culled  out ; 
and  warily  to  provide,  that  while  we  make  forth  to  that 
which  is  better,  we  meet  not  with  that  which  is  worse. 

The  discommodities  of  usury  are:  first,  that  it  make 
fewer  merchants.  For  were  it  not  for  this  lazy  trade  of 
usury,  money  would  not  lie  still,  but  it  would  in  great 
part  be  employed  upon  merchandizing,  which  is  the  vena 
porta  of  wealth  in  a  state.  The  second,  that  it  makes 
poor  merchants;  for  as  a  farmer  cannot  husband  his 
ground  so  well  if  he  sit  at  a  great  rent,  so  the  merchant 
cannot  drive  his  trade  so  well,  if  he  sit  at  great  usury. 
The  third  is  incident  to  the  other  two ;  and  that  is,  the 
decay  of  customs  of  kings,  or  estates,  which  ebb  or  flow 
with  merchandizing.  The  fourth,  that  it  bringeth  the 
treasure  of  a  realm  or  state  into  a  few  hands ;  for  the 
usurer  being  at  certainties,  and  the  other  at  uncertainties, 


?  Geor^.  iv.  168. 


8  Gen.  iii.  19. 


»  Matth.  xix.  8. 


92 


Essays. 


Of  Usury. 


93 


at  the  end  of  the  game  most  of  tlie  money  Tvill  be  in  the 
box;  and  ever  a  state  flourisheth  when  wealth  J  more 

land    for  the  employment  of  money  is  chiefly  either  mer 
chandizinj.  or  purchasing ;  and  nsu^  waylayl  both      The 

mS's    and^^°*^^""  ^'^  ^'^^'  ^'  industries  improve- 
ments, and  new  mrentions,  wherein  monev  would  ht> 

tt"::a"lkeranr;uy°of'°^  *''^  ''''•'■  ^be  Ta^t.  Zut  is' 
ct'^o^l^^.^teTa^uE^po^^^^  '''^''''  ^'^^^  -  P- 
On  the  other  side,  the  commodities  of  usury  are-  first 
^at  howsoever  usury  in  some  respect  hinderS  merchan: 
dizing  yet  m  some  other  it  advancethit;  for  it  Tcertahi 
that  the  greatest  part  of  trade  is  driven  by  youn^  mer 
chants  upon  borrowing  at  interest ;  so  as  ^ifX  usurer 
either  call  m,  or  keep  back  his  money,  there  wfll  ensup 
presently  a  great  stand  of  trade.     Th^  second    s    tZ 

^c"  s  ti^ltliV  ^"^  ''T.^^^"^  uponlnit  mt's' 
necessities  «  ould  draw  upon  them  a  most  sudden  undoinxr 

m  that  they  would  be  forced  to  sell  their  means  Sf/ 

Jands  or  goods)  far  under  foot,  and  so,  XreaTusurv  dot 

Su  tir  "iffo'^"'  ^'^  "^^"^^^^  -ouirswX7ttm 
Tend  tL  mattir'  T'^^'f'^^'  ^^  P^^^i'^g.  it  will  little 

1 J  1         ,.  '*'  ^^'^t  't  IS  a  van  ty  to  conceive  that  i^^^l 

I^sSlh"''^'"'^'^  ''"T™^  ^'^l^^^t  profi      a'ni  it  i  fm! 
possible  to  conceive  the  number  of   nconveniences  thT 

l{tC'Zvi°'^''T^^'  ''^''T^-  Therefore  to  speak 
•hadiin^l'  i!"^."^"'^"^''  '^^''-  ^"  states  have  ever 
Kent  to  mo^fa'  "'"^^  ""  ''^'^^^  ^^  ''  '^^'  opinionm"" 
To  speak  now  of  the  reformation  and  redem^nf  ^f 
■usury  :liow  the  discommodities  of  it  may  be  btlt  S.H 
and    the    commodities    retained.      It   appears     hv   tt 

several  sorts  of  usury,  :  ts\;Tr'g^:a"terX^?F  ^^ 


•  I 


■J 


I 


■-w» 

\ 


r'*¥^ 


reduce  usury  to  one  low  rate,  it  will  ease  the  common 
borrower,  but  the  merchant  will  be  to  seek  for  money. 
And  it  is  to  be  noted,  that  the  trade  of  merchandize,  being 
the  most  lucrative,  may  bear  usury  at  a  good  rate ;  other 
contracts  not  so. 

To  serve  both  intentions,  the  way  would  be  briefly 
thus :  that  there  be  two  rates  of  usury ;  the  one  free  and 
general  for  all,  the  other  under  license  only  to  certain 
persons,  and  in  certain  places  of  merchandizing.     First, 
therefore,  let  usury  in  general  be  reduced  to  five  in  the 
hundred,  and  let  that  rate  be  proclaimed  to  be  free  and 
current;    and  let  the  state  shut  itself  out  to  take  any 
penalty  for  the  same.     This  will  preserve  borrowing  from\ 
any  general  stop  or  dryness;  this  will  ease  infinite  bor- 
rowers in  the  country ;  this  will,  in  good  part,  raise  the 
price  of  land,  because  land  purchased  at  sixteen  years'  pur- 
chase will  yield  six  in  the  hundred,  and  somewhat  more, 
whereas  this  rate  of  interest  yields  but  five ;  this  by  like 
reason  will  encourage  and  edge  industrious  and  profitable 
improvements,  because  many  will  rather  venture  in  that 
kind  than  take  five  in  the  hundred,  especially  having  been 
used  to  greater  profit.     Secondly,  let  there  be  certain  per- 
sons licensed  to  lend  to  known  merchants  upon  usury,  at  a 
higher  rate,  and  let  it  be  with  the  cautions  following.     Let 
•the  rate  be,  even  with  the  merchant  himself,  somewhat 
more  easy  than  that  he  used  formerly  to  pay  ;  for  by  that 
means  all  borrowers  shall  have  some  ease  by  this  reforma- 
tion, be  he  merchant  or  whosoever.     Let  it  be  no  bank, 
or  common  stock,  but  every  man  be  master  of  his  own 
money:  not  that  I  altogether  mislike  banks,  but  they  will 
hardly  be  brooked,  in  regard  of  certain  suspicions.     Let 
the  state  be  answered  some  small  matter  for  the  Hcense, 
and  the  rest  left  to  the  lender ;  for  if  the  abatement  be 
but  small,  it  will  no  whit  discourage  the  lender ;  for  he, 
for  example,  that  took  before  ten  or  nine  in  the  hundred, 
will  sooner  descend  to  eight  in  the  hundred  than  give  over 
this  trade  of  usury,  and  go  from  certain  gains  to  gains  of 
hazard.   Let  these  licensed  lenders  be  in  number  mdefinite, 
but   restrained  to  certain  principal  cities  and  towns  of 
merchandizing:    for  then   they  will  be   hardly   able   to 
colour  other  men's  monies  in  the  country;  so  as  the  hcense 
of  nine  will  not  suck  away  the  current  rate  of  five;  for 
no  man  will  send  his  monies  far  ofi*,  nor  put  them  into 
unknown  hands.  . 

If  it  be  objected  that  this  doth  m  a  sort  authorize  usury, 


I 


94 


Essays. 


Of  Youth  arid  Age, 


95 


wMcli  before  was  in  some  places  but  permissive;  the  an- 
swer IS,  that  It  IS  better  to  mitigate  usury  by  declaration 
tJian  to  suiter  it  to  rage  by  connivance. 


XLII.    OF   YOUTH   AND   AGE. 

A  man  tliat  is  young  in  years  may  be  old  in  hours,  if  he 
have  lost  no  time.   But  that  happeneth  rarely.   Generally, 

jr.  ^  ''  J'''"./^"  ^y'^  cogitations,  not  so^  wise  a^  th^e 
second.  For  there  is  a  youth  in  thoughts  as  well  as  in 
ages ;  and  yet  the  invention  of  young  men  is  more  lively 
Uian  that  of  old ;  and  imaginations  stream  into  their 
minds  better,  and,  as  it  were,  more  divinely.  Natures 
that  have  much  heat,  and  great  and  violent  desires  and 

thTw^-""''  f  fu''?*  "P^  ^°"  ^'^"*'°  till  they  have  passed 
the  meridian  of  their  years:  as  it  was  with  Julius  Casar 
and  Septimius  Severus  Of  the  latter  of  whom  it  is  said! 
juventutum  eatt  errorthm,  imo  furoribus,  ^lenam.^  And 
yet  he  was  tJie  ablest  emperor  almost  of  all  the  list  But 
reposed  natures  may  do  well  in  youth,  as  is  s'een  hi 
Augustus  Caesar,  Cosmos  Duke  of  Fforene;,  Gaston  de  Foi^ 
and  others.  On  the  other  side,  heat  and  ;ivacity  in  aae?s 
an  excel  ent  composition  for  business.  Y on  J  men  Z 
fitter  to  invent  than  to  judge ;  fitter  for  execution  Than  for 

''^'%r^^  ^"^"  ^"^  new  projects  than  for  settled  busT 
ness.    For  the  experience  of  age,  in  things  that  fall  within 

IbuseThXm  "'tI'  '"■"•*^*'J.  *^<""'    ^"*  -^  ^'^  tiling 
abuseth  them.    The  errors  of  young  men  are  the  ruin  of 

business;  but  the  errors  of  age'd  men  amount  but  to   his 
that  more  might  have  been  done,  or  sooner      Youn.; 
men  in  the  conduct  and  manage  of  Actions,  embrace  S 
than  they  can  hold ;  stir  more  than  they  can  quiet    Cto 
the  end,  without  consideration  of  the  means  and  desrrJes 
pursue  some  few  principles  which  they  have  chanced  ut>o' 
absurdly;  care  not  to  innovate,  which^ draws  unknotnT 
conveniences ;  use  extreme  remedies  at  first    and  ?,?/ 
which  doubleth  aU  errors,  will  not  acknowledg;  or  retract 
them;  like  an  unready  horse,  that  will  neither  stop  nor 
turn.     Men  of  age  object  too  much,  consult  too  W 
adventure  too  httle,  repent  too  soon,  and  seldom  S 


lw"ir2!^°*™  ''"•"■'''°  -oun.u^.,^  et  criminum  habuit. 


Spartian.  vit.  Sev. 


♦     I, 


/ 


! 


(  i 


{ 


if.' 


0 


business  home  to  the  full  period ;  but  content  themselves 
with  a  mediocrity  of  success.  Certainly  it  is  good  to  com- 
pound employments  of  both ;  for  that  will  be  good  for  the 
present,  because  the  virtues  of  either  age  may  correct  the 
defects  of  both :  and  good  for  succession,  that  young  men 
may  be  learners,  while  men  in  age  are  actors  :  and,  Tastly, 
good  for  extern  accidents,  because  authority  followeth  old 
men,  and  favour  and  popularity  youth.  But  for  the  moral 
part,  perhaps,  youth  will  have  the  pre-eminence,  as  age 
hath  for  the  politic.  A  certain  rabbin  upon  the  text, 
Yoii?^  young  men  shall  see  visions,  and  your  old  men  shall 
dream  dreams,^  inferreth  that  young  men  are  admitted 
nearer  to  God  than  old,  because  vision  is  a  clearer  revela- 
tion than  a  dream :  and,  certainly,  the  more  a  man  drinketh 
of  the  world,  the  more  it  intoxicateth ;  and  age  doth  profit 
rather  in  the  powers  of  understanding  than  in  the  virtues, 
of  the  will  and  affections.  There  be  some  have  an  over" 
early  ripeness  in  their  years,  which  fadeth  betimes  :  these 
are,  first,  such  as  have  brittle  wits,  the  edge  whereof  is 
soon  turned:  such  as  was  Hermogenes  the  rhetorician 
whose  books  are  exceeding  subtle,  who  afterwards  waxed 
stupid :  a  second  sort  is  of  those  that  have  some  natural 
dispositions,  which  have  better  grace  in  youth  than  in 
age;  such  as  is  a  fluent  and  luxuriant  speech;  which 
becomes  youth  well,  but  not  age :  so  TuUy  saith  of  Hor- 
tensius,  Idem  manehat,  neque  idem  decehat  ;^  the  third  is 
of  such  as  take  too  high  a  strain  at  the  first ;  and  are 
magnanimous  more  than  tract  of  years  can  uphold ;  as 
was  Scipio  Africanus,  of  whom  Livy  saith  in  effect,  Ultima 
primis  cedehant^ 

XLIII.    OF   BEAUTY. 

Virtue  is  like  a  rich  stone,  best  plain  set ;  and  surely 
virtue  is  best  in  a  body  that  is  comely,  though  not  of  deli- 
cate  features  ;  and  that  hath  rather  dignity  of  presence 
than  beauty  of  aspect.  JN'either  is  it  almost  seen,  that 
very  beautiful  persons  are  otherwise  of  great  virtue ;  as  if 
nature  were  rather  busy  not  to  err,  than  in  labour  to  pro- 
duce excellency.  And  therefore  they  prove  accomplished, 
but  not  of  great  spirit ;  and  study  rather  behaviour  than 


«  Joel  ii.  28.    A.  L.  I,  iii.  3. 
«  Cic.  Brut.  95.    A.  L.  II.  xxiii.  28.  *  Livy  xxxviii.  53. 


^1^  '  fc"^  ' 


'♦. 


95  Essays, 

virtue.  But  this  holds  not  always ;  for  Augustus  Caesar, 
Titus  Vespasianus,  Philip  le  Bel  of  France,  Edward  the 
Fourth  of  England,  Alcibiades  of  Athens,  Ismael  the 
sophy  of  Persia,  were  all  high  and  great  spirits,  and  yet 
the  most  beautiful  men  of  their  tim.e8.  In  beauty,  that  of 
favour  is  more  than  that  of  colour ;  and  that  of  decent 
and  gracious  motion  more  than  that  of  favour.  That  is 
the  best  part  of  beauty  which  a  picture  cannot  express ; 
no,  nor  the  first  sight  of  the  life.  There  is  no  excellent 
beauty  that  hath  not  some  strangeness  in  the  proportion. 
A  man  cannot  tell  whether  Apelles  or  Albert  Durer  were 
the  more  trifler ;  whereof  the  one  would  make  a  personage 
by  geometrical  proportions ;  the  other,  by  taking  the  best 
parts  out  of  divers  faces  to  make  one  excellent.  Such 
personages,  I  think,  would  please  nobody  but  the  painter 
that  made  them.  Not  but  I  think  a  painter  may  make  a 
better  face  than  ever  was  ;  but  he  must  do  it  by  a  kind  of 
fehcity  (as  a  musician  that  maketh  an  excellent  air  in 
music)  and  not  by  rule.  A  man  shall  see  faces,  that,  if 
you  examine  them  part  by  part,  you  shall  find  never  a 
good ;  and  yet  altogether  do  well.  If  it  be  true,  that  the 
principal  part  of  beauty  is  in  decent  motion,  certainly  it  is 
no  marvel,  though  persons  in  years  seem  many  times  more 
amiable  ;  pulchrorum  autumnus  pulcher ;  for  no  youth  can 
be  comely  but  by  pardon,  and  considering  the  youth  as  to 
make  up  the  comeUness.  Beauty  is  as  summer  fruits, 
which  are  easy  to  corrupt,  and  cannot  last;  and,  for  the 
most  part,  it  makes  a  dissolute  youth,  and  an  age  a  little 
out  of  countenance ;  but  yet  certainly  again,  if  it  light 
well,  it  maketh  virtues  shine  and  vices  blush. 


XLIV.    OF   DEFORMITY. 

Deformed  persons  are  commonly  even  with  nature ;  for 
as  nature  hath  done  ill  by  them,  so  do  they  by  nature; 
being  for  the  most  part  (as  the  Scripture  saith)  void  of 
natural  affection:^  and  so  they  have  their  revenge  of 
nature.  Certainly  there  is  a  consent  between  the  body 
and  the  mind,  and  where  nature  erreth  in  the  one,  she 
ventureth  in  the  other :  uhi  peccat  in  uno,  jpericlitatur  in 
altera.     But  because  there  is  in  man  an  election,  touching 

^  Rom.  i.  31 . 


1 


1 


i 

■I 


^ 


f: 


I 


K 


i'^ 


¥ 


K*' 


r 


Of  Def(yrmity. 


97 


the  frame  of  his  mind,  and  a  necessity  in  the  frame 
of  his  body,  the  stars  of  natural  inclination   are  some- 
times obscured  by  the  sun  of  discipline  and  virtue ;  there- 
fore it  is  good  to  consider  of  deformity,  not   as  a  sign 
which  is  more  deceivable ;   but  as  a  cause  which  seldom 
faileth  of  the  effect.    Whosoever  hath  anythmg  fixed  in 
his  person  that  doth  induce  contempt,  hath  also  a  per- 
petual  spur  in  himself  to  rescue  and  deliver  himself  from 
scorn ;  therefore,  all  deformed  persons  are  extreme  bold. 
First,'  as   in  their    own   defence,   as   being  exposed   to 
scorn,  but  in  process  of  time  by  a  general  habit.     Also  it 
stirreth  in  them  industry,  and  especially  of  this  kind,  to 
watch  and  observe  the  weakness  of  others,  that  they  may 
have  somewhat  to  repay.     Again,  in  their  superiors,  it 
quencheth  jealousy  towards  them,  as  persons  that  they 
think  they  may  at  pleasure  despise :  and  it  layeth  their 
competitors  and  emulators  asleep  ;  as  never  behevmg  they 
should  be  in  possibility  of  advancement  till  they  see  them 
in  possession  :  so  that  upon  the  matter,  in  a  great  wit,  de- 
formity  is  an  advantage   to  rising.     Kings,   m  ancient 
times  (and  at  this  present  in  some  countries),  were  wont 
to  put  great  trust  in  eunuchs;   because  they  that  are 
envious  towards  all  are  more  obnoxious  and  officious  to- 
wards  one.     But  yet  their  trust  towards  them  hath  rather 
been  as  to  good  spials  and  good  whisperers  than  good 
magistrates  and  officers :  and  much  like  is  the  reason  of 
deformed  persons.     Still  the  ground  is,  they  will,  if  they 
be  of  spirit,  seek  to  free  themselves  from  scorn ;  which 
must  be  either  by  virtue  or  mahce :  and,  therefore,  let  it 
not  be  marvelled,  if  sometimes  they  prove  excellent  per- 
sons  ;  as  was  AgesUaus,  Zanger  the  son  of  Solyman,^sop, 
Gasca,  president  of  Peru ;  and  Socrates  may  go  likewise 
amongst  them,  with  others. 

XLV.    OF  BUILDING. 

Houses  are  built  to  live  in,  and  not  to  look  on ;  there- 
fore let  use  be  preferred  before  uniformity,  except  where 
both  may  be  haS.  Leave  the  goodly  fabrics  of  houses,  for 
beauty  only,  to  the  enchanted  pa  aces  of  the  poets  who 
build  them  with  small  cost.  He  that  builds  a  fair  house 
ujon  an  ill  seat  committeth  himself  to  prison.  Neither  do 
I  reckon  it  an  iU  seat  only  where  the  air  is  unwholesome, 
but  likewise  where  the  air  is  unequal ;  as  you  shall  see 
many  fine  seats  set  upon  a  knap  of  ground,  environed  with 


\%^ 


93  Essays. 

hiffher  hlUs  round  about  it ;  wliereby  the  heat  of  the  sun 
is  pent  in,  and  the  wind  gathereth  as  in  troughs  ;  so  as  you 
shall  have,  and  that  suddenly,  as  peat  diversity  of  heat 
and  cold  as  if  you  dwelt  in  several  places.     Neither  is  it 
ill  air  only  that  maketh  ill  seat ;  but  ill  ways,  ill  markets, 
and  if  you  consult  with  Momus,  ill  neighbours.     1  speak 
not  of  many  more ;  want  of  water,  want  of  wood,  shade, 
and  shelter,  want  of  fruitfulness,  and  mixture  of  grounds 
of  several  natures  ;  want  of  prospect,  want  of  level  grounds, 
want  of  places  at  some  near  distance  for  sports  ot  hunting, 
hawking,  and  races;  too  near  the  sea,  too  remote ;  having 
the  commodity  of  navigable  rivers,  or  the  discommodity  ot 
their  overflowing ;  too  far  ofi*  from  great  cities  which  may 
hinder  business ;    or  too  near  them,  which  lurcheth  all 
provisions,   and  maketh  everything  dear ;  where  a  man 
hath  a  great  living  laid  together,  and  where  he  is  scanted ; 
all  which,  as  it  is  impossible  perhaps  to  find  together,  so 
it  is  good  to  know  them,  and  think  of  them,  that  a  man 
may  take  as  many  as  he  can :    and,  if  he  have  several 
dwellings,  that  he  sort  them  so  that  what  he  wantetli  in 
the  one  he  may  find  in  the  other.     Lucullus  answered 
Pompey  well,  who,  when  he  saw  his  stately  galleries  and. 
rooms  so  large  and  lightsome,  in  one  of  his  houses,  said. 
Surely  an  excellent  place  for  summer,  hut  Jioiodoyoum 
winter  ?    Lucullus  answered.  Why,  do  you  not  think  me  as 
wise  as  some  fold  are,  that  ever  change  their  abode  towards 

the  winter!^  .,     .„  -n  j^  «„ 

To  pass  from  the  seat  to  the  house  itself  we  will  do  as 
Cicero  doth  in  the  orator's  art,  who  writes  books  De 
Oratore,  and  a  book  he  entitles  Orator;  whereof  the 
former  delivers  the  precepts  of  the  art,  and  the  atter  the 
perfection.  We  will,  therefore,  describe  a  princely  palace, 
making  a  brief  model  thereof :  for  it  is  strange  to  see,  now 
in  Europe,  such  huge  buildings  as  the  Vatican  and  Escurial, 
and  some  others  be,  and  yet  scarce  a  very  fair  room  m 

First  therefore,  I  say,  you  cannot  have  perfect  a  palace, 
except  you  have  two  several  sides ;  a  side  lor  the  banquet, 
as  is  spoken  of  m  the  book  of  Esther,  and  a  side  for  the 
household ;  the  one  for  feasts  and  triumphs,  and  the  other 
for  dwelling.  I  understand  both  these  sides  to  be  not  only 
returns,  but  parts  of  the  front ;  and  to  be  uniform  without, 


I 


-4 


«  Plut.  vit.  LuculL  39. 


" 


t1 


^^ 


^) 


\  I 


> 


> 


> 


■> 


f 


Of  Building, 


99 


( 


though  severally  partitioned  within ;  and  to  be  on  both 
sides  of  a  great  and  stately  tower  in  the  midst  of  the  front, 
that,  as  it  were,  joineth  them  together  on  either  hand.  I 
would  have,  on  the  side  of  the  banquet  in  front,  one  only 
goodly  room  above  stairs,  of  some  forty  foot  high ;  and 
under  it  a  room  for  a  dressing  or  preparing  place,  at  times 
of  triumphs.  On  the  other  side,  which  is  the  household 
side,  I  wish  it  divided  at  the  first  into  a  hall  and  a  chapel 
(with  a  partition  between),  both  of  good  state  and  bigness: 
and  those  not  to  go  all  the  length,  but  to  have  at  the 
farther  end  a  winter  and  a  summer  parlour,  both  fair ;  and 
under  these  rooms  a  fair  and  large  cellar  sunk  under 
ground  ;  and  likewise  some  privy  kitchens,  with  butteries, 
and  pantries,  and  the  like.  As  for  the  tower,  I  would 
have  it  two  stories,  of  eighteen  foot  high  apiece  above  the 
two  wings ;  and  goodly  leads  upon  the  top  railed  in  with 
statues  interposed ;  and  the  same  tower  to  be  divided  into 
rooms,  as  shall  be  thought  fit.  The  stairs  likewise  to  the 
upper  rooms,  let  them  be  upon  a  fair  and  open  newel,  and 
finely  railed  in  with  images  of  wood  cast  into  a  brass  colour : 
and  a  very  fair  landing-place  at  the  top.  But  this  to  be,  if 
you  do  not  point  any  of  the  lower  rooms  for  a  dining-place 
of  servants ;  for,  otherwise,  you  shall  have  the  servants' 
dinner  after  your  own :  for  the  steam  of  it  will  come  up 
as  in  a  tunnel.  And  so  much  for  the  front ;  only  I  under- 
stand the  height  of  the  first  stairs  to  be  sixteen  foot,  which 
is  the  height  of  the  lower  room. 

Beyond  this  front  is  there  to  be  a  fair  court,  but  three 
sides  of  it  of  a  far  lower  building  than  the  front.  And  in 
all  the  four  corners  of  that  court  fair  stair-cases,  cast  into 
turrets  on  the  outside,  and  not  within  the  row  of  buildings 
themselves.  But  those  towers  are  not  to  be  of  the  height 
of  the  front,  but  rather  proportionable  to  the  lower  build- 
ing. Let  the  court  not  be  paved,  for  that  striketh  up  a 
great  heat  in  summer,  and  much  cold  in  winter ;  but  only 
some  side  alleys  with  a  cross,  and  the  quarters  to  graze, 
being  kept  shorn,  but  not  too  near  shorn.  The  row  of 
return  on  the  banquet  side,  let  it  be  all  stately  galleries : 
in  which  galleries  let  there  be  three  or  five  fine  cupolas  in 
the  length  of  it,  placed  at  equal  distance ;  and  fine  coloured 
windows  of  several  works.  On  the  household  side, 
chambers  of  presence  and  ordinary  entertainments,  with 
gome  bed-chambers ;  and  let  all  three  sides  be  a  double 
house,  without  thorough  lights  on  the  sides,  that  you  may 
have  rooms  from  the  sun,  both  for  forenoon  and  afternoon. 

H  2 


100 


Essays, 


Cast  it  also,  that  you  may  have  rooms  botli  for  summer 
and  winter,  shady  for  summer,  and  warm  for  winter.  You 
shall  have  sometimes  fair  houses  so  full  of  glass  that  one 
cannot  tell  where  to  become  to  be  out  of  the  sun  or  cold. 
Por  embowed  window^s,  I  hold  them  of  good  use  (in  cities, 
indeed,  upright  do  better,  in  respect  of  the  uniformity  to- 
vrards  the  street) ;  for  they  be  pretty  retiring  places  for 
conference ;  and,  besides,  they  keep  both  the  wind  and 
sun  off;  for  that  which  would  strike  almost  through  the 
room  doth  scarce  pass  the  window.  But  let  them  be  but 
few,  four  in  the  court,  on  the  sides  only. 

Beyond  this  court,  let  there  be  an  inward  court,  of  the 
same  square  and  height,  which  is  to  be  environed  with  the 
garden  on  all  sides :  and  in  the  inside,  cloistered  on  all 
'sides  upon  decent  and  beautiful  archjs,  as  high  as  the  first 
story.  On  the  under  story,  towards  the  garden,  let  it  be 
turned  to  a  grotto,  or  place  of  shade,  or  estivation.  And 
only  have  opening  and  windows  towards  the  garden,  and 
be  level  upon  the  floor,  no  whit  sunk  under  ground,  to 
avoid  all  dampishness.  And  let  there  be  a  fountain,  or 
some  fair  work  of  statues  in  the  midst  of  this  court ;  and 
to  be  paved  as  the  other  court  was.  These  buildings  to 
be  for  privy  lodgings  on  both  sides,  and  the  end  for  privy 
galleries  ;  whereof  you  must  foresee  that  one  of  them  be 
for  an  infirmary,  if  the  prince  or  any  special  person  should 
be  sick,  with  chambers,  bed-chamber,  aniicamera  and 
recamera  joining  to  it.  This  upon  the  second  story. 
Upon  the  ground  story,  a  fair  gallery,  open,  upon  pillars ; 
and  upon  the  third  story  likewise,  an  open  gallery  upon 
pillars,  to  take  the  prospect  and  freshness  of  the  garden. 
At  both  corners  of  the  farther  side,  by  w^ay  of  return,  let 
there  be  two  delicate  or  rich  cabinets,  daintily  paved, 
richlv  hanged,  glazed  with  crystalhne  glass,  and  a  rich 
cupola  in  the  midst ;  and  all  other  elegancy  that  may  be 
thought  upon.  In  the  upper  gallery  too,  I  wish  that  there 
may  be,  if  the  place  will  yield  it,  some  fountains  running  in 
divers  places  from  the  wall,  with  some  fine  avoidances.  And 
thus  much  for  the  model  of  the  palace  ;  save  that  you  must 
have,  before  you  come  to  the  front,  three  courts:  a  green 
court  plain,  with  a  wall  about  it ;  a  second  court  of  the 
same,  but  more  garnished  with  little  turrets,  or  rather 
embellishments,  upon  the  wall ;  and  a  third  court,  to  make 
a  square  w;ith  the  front,  but  not  to  be  built,  nor  yet 
enclosed  with  a  naked  wall,  but  enclosed  with  terraces 
leaded  aloft,  and  fairlv  garnished  on  the  three  sides  ;  and 
cloistered  on  the  inside  with  pillars,  and  not  with  arches 


t 


A 


?= 


^> 


< 


'i4 
It 


r 


0/  Ga/rdens, 


101 


below.    As  for  offices,  let  them  stand  at  distance,  with 
some  low  galleries  to  pass  from  them  to  the  palace  itself. 

XLVI.    OF    GARDENS. 

God  Almighty  first  planted  a  garden;  and,  indeed,  it  is 
the  purest ^f  human  pleasures.  It  is  the  greatest  refresh- 
ment to  the  spirits  of  man;  without  w^hich  buildings  and 
palaces  are  but  gross  handiworks :  and  a  man  shall  ever 
see,  that,  when  ages  grow  to  civility  and  elegancy,  men 
come  to  build  stately,  sooner  than  to  garden  finely ;  as  if 
gardening  were  the  greater  perfection.  I  do  hold  it,  in  the 
royal  ordering  of  gardens,  there  ouglit  to  be  gardens  for 
alf  the  months  in  the  year;  in  which,  severally,  things  of 
beauty  may  be  then  in  season.  For  December  and  January, 
and  the  latter  part  of  November,  you  must  take  such  things 
as  are  green  all  winter;  holly,  ivy,  bays,  juniper,  cypress- 
trees,  yew,  pine-apple-trees,  fir-trees,  rosemary,  lavender; 
periwinkle,  the  white,  the  purple,  and  the  blue ;  germander, 
flags ;  orange-trees,  lemon-trees,  and  myrtles,  if  they  be 
stoved;'  and  sweet  marjoram  warm  set.  There  foUoweth, 
for  the  latter  part  of  January  and  February,  the  mezereon 
tree,  which  then  blossoms ;  crocus  vernus,  both  the  yellow 
and  the  grey;  primroses,  anemonies,  the  early  tulip,  the 
hyacinthus  orientalis,  chamairis,  fritellaria.  For  March 
there  come  violets,  especially  the  single  blue,  which  are 
the  earliest;  the  yellow  daffodil,  the  daisy,  the  almond-tree 
in  blossom,  the  peach-tree  in  blossom,  the  cornelian- tree 
in  blossom,  sweet  brier.  In  April  follow  the  double  white 
violet,  the  wall-flower,  the  stock  gilliflower,  the  cow^slip, 
flower-de-luces,  and  lilies  of  all  natures,  rosemary  flower, 
the  tulip,  the  double  peony,  the  pale  daffodil,  the  French 
honeysuckle,  the  cherry-tree  in  blossom,  the  damson  and 

?lum-trees  in  blossom,  the  white  thorn  in  leaf,  the  lilac-tree, 
n  May  and  June  come  pinks  of  all  sorts,  especially  the 
blush  pink:  roses  of  all  kinds,  except  the  musk,  which 
comes  later;  honeysuckles,  strawberries,  bugloss,  colum- 
bine, the  French  marigold,  flos  Africanus,'  cherry-tree  in 
fruit,  ribes,  figs  in  fruit,  rasps,  vine-flowers,  lavender  in 
flowers,  the  sweet  satyrian,  with  the  white  flower ;  herba 
muscaria,  liHum  convallium,  the  apple-tree  in  blossom.   In 


\ 


7  The  edition  of  1625  has  stirred,  but  as  I  find  the  common  read- 
ing, stovedy  in  that  of  1629,  which  there  is  reason  to  think  was 
superintended  by  Rawley,  I  have  retained  it  in  the  text. 


0 


102 


Eseays, 


July  come  ^illiflowers  of  all  varieties,  musk-roses,  the  lime- 
tree  in  blossom,  early  pears,  and  plums  in  fruit,  gennitings, 
quodlms.  In  August  come  plums  of  all  sorts  in  fruit, 
pears,  apricocks,  barberries,  filberds,  musk  melons,  monks 
hoods  of  all  colours.  In  September  come  grapes,  apples, 
poppies  of  all  colours,  peaches,  melocotones,  nectarines,' 
cornelians,  wardens,  quinces.  In  October  and  the  begin- 
ning of  November  come  services,  medlars,  bullaces,  roses 
cut  or  removed  to  come  late,  holly  oaks,  and  such  like/ 
These  particulars  are  for  the  climate  of  London.  But  my 
meaning  is  perceived  that  you  may  have  ver  perpetuum,  as 
the  place  affords. 

^  And  because  the  breath  of  flowers  is  far  sweeter  in  the 
air  (where  it  comes  and  goes,  like  the  warbling  of  music) 
than  in  the  hand,  therefore  nothing  is  more  fit  for  that 
delight  than  to  know  what  be  the  flowers  and  plants  that 
do  best  perfume  the  air.     Eoses,  damask  and  red,  are  fast  ' 
flowers  of  their  smells;  so  that  you  may  walk  by  a  whole 
row  of  them,  and  find  nothing  of  their  sweetness :  yea, 
though  it  be  in  a  morning's  dew.     Bays,  likewise,  yield  no 
smell  as  they  grow,  rosemary  little,  nor  sweet  marjoram; 
that  which,  above  all  others,  yields  the  sweetest  smell  in 
the  air,  is  the  violet,  especially  the  white  double  violet 
which  comes  twice  a  year,  about  the  middle  of  April,  and 
about  Bartholomew-tide.     Next  to  that  is  the  musk-rose  • 
then  the  strawberry-leaves  dying,  with^  a  most  excellent 
cordial  smell;  then  the  flower  of  the  vines;  it  is  a  little 
dust  like  the  dust  of  a  bent,  which  grows  upon  the  cluster 
m  the  first  coming  forth ;  then  sweet  brier,  then  wall- 
flowers, which  are  very  delightful  to  be  set  under  a  parlour 
or  lower  chamber  window;  then  pinks,  especially  the  matted 
pmk,  and  clove  gilliflower ;  then  the  flowers  of  the  Hme- 
tree;  then  the  honey -suckles,  so  they  be  somewhat  afar 
2  1 1  n        ^^^^  flowers   I   speak  not,   because  they  are 
field-flowers.     But  those   which   perfume  the    air  most 
delightfully,  not  passed  by  as  the  rest,  but  beintr  trodden 
upon  and  crushed,  are  three,  that  is,  burnet,  wild  thyme 
and  water-mmts.     Therefore  you  are  to  set  whole  alleys 
of  them,  to  have  the  pleasure  when  you  walk  or  tread. 

For  gardens  (speaking  of  those  which  are  indeed  pri'nce- 
hke,  as  we  have  done  of  buildings),  the  contents  ouo^ht  not 
well  to  be  under  thirty  acres  of  ground,  and  to  be  divided 
into  three  parts;  a  green  in  the  entrance,  a  heath  or  desert 

'  Ed.  1C25  which;  1629  with. 


ii* 


t- 


% 


1 
"^} 

K^ 


1 


■| 


t 


(1 


< 


V 


'I 


I-  . 


A- 


>  1- 


i 


;> 


['  I 


Of  Gardens. 


lOS 


in  the  going  forth,  and  the  main  garden  in  the  midst; 
besides  alleys  on  both  sides.  And  I  like  well  that  four 
acres  of  ground  be  assigned  to  the  green;  six  to  the  heath, 
four  and  four  to  either  side,  and  twelve  to  the  main  garden. 
The  green  hath  two  pleasures ;  the  one,  because  nothing 
is  more  pleasant  to  the  eye  than  green  grass  kept  finely 
shorn ;  the  other,  because  it  will  give  you  a  fair  alley  in 
the  midst ;  by  which  you  may  go  in  front  upon  a  stately 
hedge,  which  is  to  enclose  the  garden.  But  because  the 
alley  will  be  long,  and,  in  great  heat  of  the  year,  or  day, 
you  ought  not  to  buy  the  shade  in  the  garden,  by  going  in 
the  sun  thorough  the  green;  therefore  you  are  of  either 
side  the  green  to  plant  a  covered  alley,  upon  carpenter's 
work,  about  twelve  foot  in  height  by  which  you  may  go  in 
shade  into  the  garden.  As  for  the  making  of  knots,  or  . 
figures,  with  divers  coloured  earths,  that  they  may  lie  / 
under  the  windows  of  the  house  on  that  side  on  which  the 
garden  stands,  they  be  but  toys :  you  may  see  as  good 
sights  many  times  in  tarts.  The  garden  is  best  to  be 
square,  encompassed  on  all  the  four  sides  with  a  stately 
arched  hedge,  the  arches  to  be  upon  pillars  of  carpenter's 
work,  of  some  ten  foot  high,  and  six  foot  broad ;  and  the 
spaces  between  of  the  same  dimensions  with  the  breadth 
of  the  arch.  Over  the  arches  let  there  be  an  entire  hedge 
of  some  four  foot  high,  framed  also  upon  carpenter's  work; 
and  upon  the  upper  hedge,  over  every  arch,  a  little  turret, 
with  a  belly  enough  to  receive  a  cage  of  birds ;  and  over 
every  space  between  the  arches  some  other  little  figure, 
with  broad  plates  of  round  coloured  glass  gilt,  for  the  sun 
to  play  upon.  But  this  hedge  I  intend  to  be  raised  upon  a 
bank,  not  steep,  but  gently  slope,  of  some  six  foot,  set  all 
with  flowers.  Also  I  understand,  that  this  square  of  the 
garden  should  not  be  the  whole  breadth  of  the  ground,  but 
to  leave  on  either  side  ground  enough  for  diversity  of  side 
alleys ;  unto  which  the  two  covered  alleys  of  the  green 
may  deliver  you;  but  there  must  be  no  alleys  with  hedges 
at  either  end  of  this  great  enclosure ;  not  at  the  hither 
end,  for  letting  your  prospect  upon  this  fair  hedge  from 
the  green;  nor  at  the  further  end,  for  lettmg  your  prospect 
from  the  hedge  through  the  arches  upon  the  heath. 

For  the  ordering  of  the  ground  within  the  great  hedge, 
I  leave  it  to  variety  of  device ;  advising,  nevertheless,  that 
whatsoever  form  you  cast  it  into  first  it  be  not  too  busy, 
or  full  of  work :  wherein  I,  for  my  part,  do  not  like  images 
cut  out  in  juniper  or  other  garden-stufi*;   they  be  for 


104 


Essays. 


shildren.     Little  low  hedges  round  like  welts,  with  some 
pretty  pyramids,  I  like  well;   and  in  some  places  fair 
columns,  upon  frames  of  carpenter's  work.     I  would  also 
have  the  alleys  spacious  and  fair.    You  may  have  closer 
alleys  upon  the  side  grounds,  but  none  in  the  main  garden. 
I  wish  also,  in  the  very  middle,  a  fair  mount,  with  three 
ascents  and  alleys,  enough  for  four  to  walk  abreast;  which 
I  would  have  to  be  perfect  circles,  without  any  bulwarks 
;    or  embossments ;  and  the  whole  mount  to  be  thirty  foot 
\  nigh,  and  some  fine  banqueting-house,  with  some  chimneys 
^neatly  cast,  and  without  too  much  glass. 

For  fountains,  they  are  a  great  beauty  and  refreshment; 
but  pools  mar  all,  and  make  the  garden  unwholesome,  and 
lull  of  flies  and  frogs.     Fountains  I  intend  to  be  of  two 
natures :  the  one  that  sprinkleth  or  spouteth  water ;  the 
other  a  fair  receipt  of  water,  of  some  thirty  or  forty  foot 
square,  but  without  fish,  or  slime,  or  mud.     For  the  first 
the  ornaments  of  images,  gilt  or  of  marble,  which  are  in 
use,  do  well :  but  the  main  matter  is  to  convey  the  water 
as  it  never  stay,  either  in  the  bowls  or  in  the  cistern ;' 
that  the  water  be  never  by  rest  discoloured,  green  or  red] 
or   the   like,  or   gather   any    mossiness   or    putrefaction! 
iJesides  that,  it  is  to  be  cleansed  every  day  by  the  hand 
Also  some  steps  up  to  it,  and  some  fine  pavement  about  it 
doth  well.    As  for  the  other  kind  of  fountain,  which  we  may 
caU  a  bathing  pool,  it   may  admit  much  curiosity  and 
beauty,  wherewith  we  will  not  trouble  ourselves :  as,  that 
the  bottom  be  finely  paved,  and  with  images ;  the  sides 
likewise ;  and  withal  embellished  with  coloured  glass,  and 
such  things  of  lustre;  encompassed  also  with  fine  rails  of 
low  statuas.     But  the  main  point  is  the  same  which  we 
mentioned  in  the  former  kind  of  fountain;  which  is,  that 
the  water  be  in  perpetual  motion,  fed  by  a  water  higher 
than  the  pool,  and  delivered  into  it  by  fair  spouts,  and 
then  discharged  away  under  ground,  by  some  equality  of 
bores,  that  it  stay  little.     And  for  fine  devices,  of  arching 
water  without  spilling,  and  making  it  rise  in  several  forms 
(ot  teathers,  drinking  glasses,  canopies,  and  the  like),  they 
be  pretty  thmgs  to  look  on,  but  nothing  to  health  and 
sweetness. 

For  the  heath,  which  was  the  third  part  of  our  plot  I 
wished  It  to  be  framed  as  much  as  may  be  to  a  natural 
wildness.  Trees  I  would  have  none  in  it,  but  some 
thickets  made  only  of  sweet  brier  and  honey-suckle,  and 
some  wild  vine  amongst;  and  the  ground  set  with  violets 
strawberries,  and  primroses.     For  these  are  sweet,  and 


i 


^S 


} 


4 


r     I 


\ 


/ 


r  ' 

{\.' 


I 


> 


\ 


\ 


'     fA 


.It 


if} 


Of  Gardens, 


105 


prosper  in  the  shade ;  and  these  are  to  be  in  the  heath 
here  and  there,  not  in  any  order.  I  like  also  little  heaps, 
in  the  nature  of  mole-hills  (such  as  are  in  wild  heaths),  to 
be  set  with  some  wild  thyme,  some  with  pinks,  some  with 
germander,  that  gives  a  good  flower  to  the  eye ;  some  with 
periwinkle,  some  with  violets,  some  with  strawberries, 
some  with  cowslips,  some  with  daisies,  some  with  red 
roses,  some  with  lilium  convallium,  some  with  sweet- 
williams  red,  some  with  bear's  foot,  and  the  like  low  flowers, 
being  withal  sweet  and  sightly.  Part  of  which  heaps  to 
be  with  standards  of  little  bushes  pricked  upon  their  top, 
and  part  without.  The  standards  to  be  roses,  juniper, 
holly,  barberries  (but  here  and  there,  because  of  the  smell 
of  their  blossom),  red  currants,  gooseberries,  rosemary, 
bays,  sweet  brier,  and  such  like :  but  these  standards  to 
be  kept  with  cutting,  that  they  grow  not  out  of  course. 

For  the  side  grounds,  you  are  to  fill  them  with  variety 
of  alleys,  private,  to  give  a  full  shade;  some  of  them 
wheresoever  the  sun  be.  You  are  to  frame  some  of  them 
likewise  for  shelter,  that,  when  the  wind  blows  sharp,  you 
may  walk  as  in  a  gallery.  And  those  alleys  must  be  like- 
wise hedged  at  both  ends,  to  keep  out  the  wind ;  and  these 
closer  alleys  must  be  ever  finely  gravelled,  and  no  grass, 
because  of  going  wet.  In  many  of  these  alleys  likewise, 
you  are  to  set  fruit-trees  of  all  sorts,  as  well  upon  the  walls 
as  in  ranges.  And  this  should  be  generally  observed,  that 
the  borders  wherein  you  plant  your  fruit-trees  be  fair,  and 
large,  and  low,  and  not  steep ;  and  set  with  fine  flowers, 
but  thin  and  sparingly,  lest  they  deceive  the  trees.  At 
the  end  of  both  the  side  grounds  I  would  have  a  mount  of 
some  pretty  height,  leaving  the  wall  of  the  enclosure 
breast  high,  to  look  abroad  into  the  fields. 

For  the  main  garden,  I  do  not  deny  but  there  should  be 
some  fair  alleys  ranged  on  both  sides,  with  fruit-trees,  and 
some  pretty  tufts  of  fruit-trees  and  arbours  with  seats,  set 
in  some  decent  order ;  but  these  to  be  by  no  means  set  too 
thick,  but  to  leave  the  main  garden  so  as  it  be  not  close, 
but  the  air  open  and  free.  For  as  for  shade,  I  would  have 
you  rest  upon  the  alleys  of  the  side  grounds,  there  to 
walk,  if  you  be  disposed,  in  the  heat  of  the  year  or  day ; 
but  to  make  account  that  the  main  garden  is  for  the  more 
temperate  parts  of  the  year,  and,  in  the  heat  of  summer, 
for  the  morning  and  the  evening,  or  overcast  days. 

For  aviaries,  I  like  them  not,  except  they  be  of  that 
largeness  as  they  may  be  turfed,  and  have  living  plants 
and  bushes  set  in  them ;  that  the  birds  may  have  more 


1 


u 


106 


Essays, 


scope  and  natural  nestlinor,  and  that  no  foulness  appear  on 
the  floor  of  the  aviary.  So  I  have  made  a  platform  of  a 
princely  garden,  partly  by  precept,  partly  by  drawing; 
not  a  model,  but  some  general  lines  of  it ;  and  in  this  I 
have  spared  for  no  cost.  But  it  is  nothing  for  great 
princes,  that,  for  the  most  part,  taking  advice  with  work- 
men, with  no  less  cost  set  their  things  together,  and  some- 
times add  statues,  and  such  things,  for  state  and  magnifi- 
cence, but  nothing  to  the  true  pleasure  of  a  garden. 

XLVII.    OF   NEGOTIATING. 

It  IS  generally  better  to  deal  by  speech  than  by  letter ; 
and  by  the  mediation  of  a  third  than  by  a  man's  self. 
Letters  are  good  when  a  man  would  draw  an  answer  by 
letter  back  again ;  or  when  it  may  serve  for  a  man's  justi- 
fication afterwards  to  produce  his  own  letter ;  or  where  it 
may  be  danger  to  be  interrupted,  or  heard  by  pieces.  To 
deal  in  person  is  good  when  a  man's  face  breedeth  regard, 
as  commonly  with  inferiors ;  or  in  tender  cases,  where  a 
man's  eye,  upon  the  countenance  of  him  with  whom  he 
speaketh,  may  give  him  a  direction  how  far  to  go :  and, 
generally,  where  a  man  will  reserve  to  himself  liberty, 
either  to  disavow  or  to  expound.  In  choice  of  instruments, 
it  is  better  to  choose  men  of  a  plainer  sort,  that  are  like 
to  do  that  that  is  committed  to  them,  and  to  report  back 
again  faithfully  the  success,  than  those  that  are  cunning  to 
contrive  out  of  other  men's  business  somewhat  to  grace 
themselves,  and  will  help  the  matter  in  report,  for  satisfac- 
tion sake.  Use  also  such  persons  as  affect  the  business 
wherein  they  are  employed,  for  that  quickeneth  much ;  and 
such  as  are  fit  for  the  matter ;  as  bold  men  for  expostula- 
tion, fair-spoken  men  for  persuasion,  crafty  men  for  in- 
quiry and  observation,  froward  and  absurd  men  for  busi- 
ness that  doth  not  well  bear  out  itself  Use  also  such  as 
have  been  lucky  and  prevailed  before  in  things  wherein 
you  have  employed  them,  for  that  breeds  confidence ;  and 
they  will  strive  to  maintain  their  prescription.  It  is  better 
to  sound  a  person  with  whom  one  deals  afar  off,  than  to 
fall  upon  the  point  at  first ;  except  you  mean  to  surprise 
him  by  some  short  question.  It  is  better  dealing  with 
men  in  appetite  than  with  those  that  are  where  they  would 
be.  If  a  man  deal  with  another  upon  conditio!  s,  the  start 
of  first  performance  is  all :  which  a  man  cannot  reasonably 


M'i 


i> 


A 


;  -J 


> 


*  i^ 


t 


■  Jl 


/> 


Of  Negotiating, 


107 


demand,  except  either  the  nature  of  the  thing  be  such 
which  must  go  before ;  or  else  a  man  can  persuade  the 
other  party,  that  he  shall  still  need  him  in  some  other 
thing ;  or  else  that  he  be  counted  the  honester  man.  All 
practice  is  to  discover  or  to  work.  Men  discover  them- 
selves in  trust,  in  passion,  at  unawares  ;  and  of  necessity, 
when  they  would  have  somewhat  done,  and  cannot  find  an 
apt  pretext.  If  you  would  work  any  man,  you  must  either 
know  his  nature  and  fashions,  and  so  lead  him  ;  or  his  ends, 
and  so  persuade  him  ;  or  his  weakness  and  disadvantages, 
and  so  awe  him;  or  those  that  have  interest  in  him,  and 
so  govern  him.  In  dealing  with  cunning  persons,  we  must 
ever  consider  their  ends  to  interpret  their  speeches  ;  and 
it  is  good  to  say  little  to  them,  and  that  which  they  least 
look  for.  In  all  negotiations  of  difficulty,  a  man  may  not 
look  to  sow  and  reap  at  once ;  but  must  prepare  busmess, 
and  so  ripen  it  by  degrees. 

XLVIII.    OF  FOLLOWERS   AND  FRIENDS. 

Costly  followers  are  not  to  be  liked;  lest  while  a  man 
maketh  his  train  longer,  he  make  his  wings  shorter.  I 
reckon  to  be  costly,  not  them  alone  which  charge  the 
purse,  but  which  are  wearisome  and  importune  m  suits. 
Ordinary  followers  ought  to  challenge  higher  conditions 
than  countenance,  recommendation,  and  protection  trom 
wrongs.  Factious  followers  are  worse  to  be  liked,  which 
follow  not  upon  affection  to  him  with  whom  they  range 
themselves,  but  upon  discontentment  conceived  against 
some  other:  whereupon  commonly  ensueth  that  ill  mteili- 
jrence  that  we  many  times  see  between  great  personages. 
Likewise  glorious  followers,  who  make  themselves  as 
trumpets  of  the  commendation  of  those  they  follow,  are 
full  of  inconvenience;  for  they  taint  business  through  want 
of  secrecy;  and  they  export  honour  from  a  man,  and  make 
him  a  return  in  envy.  There  is  a  kind  of  followers  like- 
wise  which  are  dangerous,  being  indeed  espials;  wJiicli 
inquire  the  secrets  of  the  house,  and  bear  tales  ot  them  to 
others;  yet  such  men  many  times  are  m  great  favour; 
for  they  are  officious,  and  commonly  exchange  tales,  llie 
following  by  certain  estates  of  men,  answerable  to  that 
which  a  great  person  himself  professeth  (as  of  so  diers  to 
him  that  hath  been  employed  in  the  wars,  and  the  like), 
hath  ever  been  a  thing  civil,   and  well  taken  even  m 


r 


108 


Essays, 


Of  Suitors. 


109 


monarchies,  so  it  be  without  too  much  pomp  or  popularity. 
But  the  most  honourable  kind  of  following  is  to  be  followed 
as  one  that  apprehendeth  to  advance  virtue  and  desert  in 
all  sorts  of  persons.  And  yet,  where  there  is  no  eminent 
odds  in  suflBciency,  it  is  better  to  take  with  the  more  pass- 
able than  with  the  more  able;  and  besides,  to  speak  truth, 
in  base  times  active  men  are  of  more  use  tlian  virtuous.  It 
is  true,  that  in  government  it  is  good  to  use  men  of  one 
rank  equally:  for  to  countenance  some  extraordinarily  is  to 
make  tliem  insolent,  and  the  rest  discontent,  because  they 
may  claim  a  due.  But  contrariwise  in  favour,  to  use  men 
with  much  difference  and  election  is  good;  for  it  maketh 
the  persons  preferred  more  thankful,  and  the  rest  more 
officious,  because  all  is  of  favour.  It  is  good  discretion  not 
to  make  too  much  of  any  man  at  the  first;  because  one 
cannot  hold  out  that  proportion.  To  be  governed  (as  we 
call  it)  by  one  is  not  safe;  for  it  shows  softness  and  gives 
a  freedom  to  scandal  and  disreputation;  for  those  that 
would  not  censure,  or  speak  ill  of  a  man  immediately,  wiU 
talk  more  boldly  of  those  that  are  so  great  with  them,  and 
thereby  wound  their  honour.  Yet  to  be  distracted  with 
many  is  worse;  for  it  makes  men  to  be  of  the  last  impres- 
sion, and  full  of  change.  To  take  advice  of  some  few 
friends  is  ever  honourable ;  for  lookers-on  many  times  see 
more  than  gamesters;  and  the  vale  best  discovereth  the 
hill.  There  is  little  friendship  in  the  world,  and  least  of  all 
between  equals,  which  was  wont  to  be  magnified.  That 
that  is,  is  between  superior  and  inferior,  whose  fortimes 
may  comprehend  the  one  the  other. 


XLIX.    OF    SUITORS. 

Many  ill  matters  and  projects  are  undertaken;  and  pri- 
vate suits  do  putrefy  the  public  good.  Many  good  matters 
are  undertaken  with  bad  minds;  I  mean  not  only  corrupt 
minds,  but  crafty  minds,  that  intend  not  performance. 
Some  embrace  suits  which  never  mean  to  deal  effectually 
in  them;  but  if  they  see  there  maybe  life  in  the  matter  by 
some  other  mean,  they  will  be  content  to  win  a  thank,  or 
take  a  second  reward,  or,  at  least,  to  make  use  in  the 
meantime  of  the  suitor's  hopes.  Some  take  hold  of  suits 
only  for  an  occasion  to  cross  some  other ;  or  to  make  an  in- 
formation, whereof  they  could  not  otherwise  have  apt 
pretext;  without  care  what  become  of  the  suit  when  that 


i 


'-rj 


7 


4. 


i 


turn  is  served :  or  generally  to  make  other  men's  busmess 
a  kind  of  entertainment  to"bring  in  their  own.    Nay,  some 
undertake  suits  with  a  full  purpose  to  let  them  fall;  to  the 
end  to  gratify  the  adverse  party,  or  competitor,     burely, 
there  is  in  some  sort  a  right  in  every  suit;  either  a  right 
of  equity,  if  it  be  a  suit  of  controversy ;  or  a  right  ot  desert 
if  it  be  a  suit  of  petition.    If  affection  lead  a  man  to  favour 
the  wrong  side  in  justice,  let  him  rather  use  his  wunte- 
nance  to  compound  the  matter  than  to  carry  it.  If  aflection 
lead  a  man  to  favour  the  less  worthy  in  desert,  let  him  do 
it  without  depraving  or  disabling  the  better  deserver.    in 
suits  which  a  man  doth  not  well  understand,  it  is  good  to 
refer  them  to  some  friend  of  trust  and  judgment,  that  may- 
report  whether  he  may  deal  in  them  with  honour:  but  let 
him  choose  well  his  referendaries,  for  else  he  may  be  led 
bv  the  nose.    Suitors  are  so  distasted  with  delays  and 
abuses  that  plain  dealing  in  denying  to  deal  in  suits  at 
first,  and  reporting  the  success  barely,  and  in  chaUenging 
no  more  thanks  than  one  hath  deserved,  is  grown  not  only 
honourable  but  also  gracious.    In  suites  of  favour,  the  farst 
coming  ought  to  take  little  place,  so  far  forth  considera- 
tion may  be  had  of  his  trust,  that  if  intelligence  of  the 
matter  could  not  otherwise  have  heen  had  but  by  him, 
advantage  be  not  taken  of  the  note  but  the  party  left  to 
his  other  means;  and  in  some  sort  recompensed  for  his 
discovery     To  be  ignorant  of  the  value  of  a  suit  is  sim- 
S  cS'^s  well  as  to  be  ignorant  of  the  right  thereof  is 
want  of  conscience.     Secrecy  in  suits  is  a  great  mean  of 
obtaining ;  for  voicing  them,  to  be  m  forwardness,  may 
discouraie  some  kinl  of  suitors    but  doth  quicken  and 
awake  others.    But  timing  of  the  smt  is  the  Fincipa; 
timing  I  say,  not  only  in  respect  of  the  person  who  should 
grant  it,  but  in  respect  of  those  which  are  like  t^  cross  it. 
Let  a  man,  in  the  choice  of  his  mean,  rather  choose  the 
fittest  mean  than  the  greatest  mean  ,;^  and  rather  them  that 
deal  in  certain  things  than  those  that  are  general.    The 
reparation  of  a  denial  is  sometimes  equal  to  the  first  grant  ; 
if  a  man  show  himself  neither  dejected  nor  discontented. 
Iniquumpetas  ut  aquumferas,  is  a  good  rule,  where  a  man 
hath  strength  of  favour:  but  otherwise,  a  man  were  better 
rise  in  his  suit;  for  he  that  would  have  ventured  at  first  to 
have  lost  the  suitor,  will  not,  m  the  conclusion,  lose  both 
arsuitor  and  his  own  former  favour.   Nothing  is  thought 
so  easy  a  request  to  a  great  person  as  his  letter;  and  yet, 
if  it  be  not  m  a  good  cause,  it  is  so  much  out  of  his  repu- 


110 


JEssays. 


tation.  There  are  no  worse  instruments  than  these  general 
contrivers  of  suits;  for  they  are  but  a  kind  of  poison  and 
infection  to  public  proceedings. 


L.    OF   STUDIES. 

Studies  serve  for  delight,  for  ornament,  and  for  ability. 
Their  chief  use  for  deligiit  is  in  privateness  and  retiring ; 
for  ornament  is  in  discourse;  and  for  ability  is  in  the 
judgment  and  disposition  of  business.  For  expert  men  can 
execute,  and  perhaps  judge  of  particulars,  one  by  one;  but 
the  general  counsels,  and  the  plots  and  marshalling  of 
affairs  come  best  from  those  that  are  learned.  \To  spend 
too  much  time  in  studies  is  sloth;  to  use  them  too  much  for 
I  ornament  is  affectation;  to  make  judgment  wholly  by 
^  their  rules  is  the  humour  of  a  scholar.  \  Thejr  perfect 
nature,  and  are  perfected  by  experience:  for  natural  abilities 
are  like  natural  plants,  that  need  pruning  by  study;  and 
studies  themselves  do  give  forth  directions  too  much  at 
large,  except  they  be  bounded  in  by  experience.  Crafty 
men  contemn  studies ;  simple  men  admire  them ;  and  wise 
men  use  them :  for  they  teach  not  their  own  use ;  but  that  is 
a  wisdom  without  them,  and  above  them,  won  by  observation. 
Eead  not  to  contradict  and  confute;  nor  to  believe  and 
take  for  granted;  nor  to  find  talk  and  discourse;  but  to 
weigh  and  consider.  Some  books  are  to  be  tasted,  others 
to  be  swallowed,  and  some  few  to  be  chewed  and  digested: 
that  is,  some  books  are  to  be  read  only  in  parts ;  others  to 
be  read,  but  not  curiously,  and  some  few  to  be  read  wholly, 
and  with  diligence  and  attention.  Some  books  also  may 
be  read  by  deputy,  and  extracts  made  of  them  by  others ; 
but  that  would  be  only  in  the  less  important  arguments, 
and  the  meaner  sort  of  books;  else  distill^  books  are,  like 
common  distilled  waters,  flashy  things.  \Seading  maketh 
a  full  man:  conference  a  ready  man;  ancTwriting  an  exact 
man^  And,  therefore,  if  a  man  write  little,  he  had  need 
have  a  great  memory ;  if  he  confer  little  he  had  need  have 
a  present  wit;  and  if  he  read  little,  he  had  need  have 
much  cunning  to  seem  to  know  that  he  doth  not.  His- 
tories make  men  wise;  poets  witty;  the  mathematics 
subtle;  natural  philosophy  deep;  moral  grave;  logic  and 
rhetoric  able  to  contend.  Aheunt  studia  in  mores;  nay, 
there  is  no  stond  or  impediment  in  the  wit,  but  may  be 
wrought  out  by  fit  studies:  like  as  diseases  of  the  body 


Z_„#.i«** 


>«■    tjl 


I 


I 


•I  I 


.\ 


^^' 


11  f 


\  ' 


H. 


•'I 


1. 1  ] 


"A 


im  \  \\ 


1 


I  »)*.li  *K " 


I 


> 


V 


i 


i 


Of  Studies. 


Ill 


may  have  appropriate  exercises.  Bowling  is  good  for  the 
stone  and  reins,  shooting  for  the  lungs  and  breast ;  gentle 
walking  for  the  stomach:  riding  for  the  head,  and  the  like. 
So,  if  a  man's  wit  be  wandering,  let  him  study  the  mathe- 
matics; for  in  demonstrations,  if  his  wit  be  called  away 
never  so  little,  he  must  begin  again;  if  his  wit  be  not  apt 
to  distinguish  or  find  difference,  let  him  study  the  school- 
men, for  they  are  Cymini  sectores.^  If  he  be  not  apt  to 
beat  over  matters,  and  to  call  up  one  thing  to  prove  and 
illustrate  another,  let  him  study  the  lawyers'  cases;  so 
every  defect  of  the  mind  may  have  a  special  receipt. 


LI.    OF   FACTION. 

Many  have  an  opinion  not  wise,  that  for  a  prince  to 

govern  his  estate,  or  for  a  great   person  to   govern  his 

proceedings,   according  to  the  respect  of  factions  is   a 

principal  part  of  pohcy ;  whereas,' contrariwise,  the  chietest 

wisdom   is    either   in   ordering  those   things   which    are 

general,  and  wherein  men  of  several  factions  do  neverthe- 

less  ao-ree;  or  in  dealing  with  correspondence  to  particular 

persoSs,  one  by  one.    But  I  say  not,  that  the  consideration 

of  factions  is  to  be  neglected.    Mean  men,  m  their  rismg, 

must  adhere;  but  great  men,  that  have  strength  m  them- 

selves  were  better  to  maintain  themselves  mdilierent  and 

neutral.    Yet  even  in  beginners,  to  adhere  so  moderately, 

as  he  be  a  man  of  the  one  faction,  which  is  most  passable 

with  the  other,  commonly  giveth  best  way.     i he  lower 

and  weaker  faction  is  the  firmer  in  conjunction,  and  it  is 

often  seen  that  a  few  that  are  stiff  do  tire  out  a  greater 

number  that   are  more  moderate,      ^^^^en  one   ot   the 

factions  is  extinguished,  the  remaimng  subdivideth:  as  the 

faction  between  LucuUus  and  the  rest  of  the  nobles  of 

the  senate  (which  they  called  opttmates)  held  out  awhile 

asainst  the  faction  of  Pompey  and  C^sar:  but  when  the 

senate's  authority  was  puUed  down,  Csesar  and  Pompey 

soon  after  brake.     The  faction  or  party  of  Antonius  and 

Octavianus  Casar,  against  Brutus  and  Cassius,  held  out 

likewise  for  a  time:  but  when  Brutus  and  Cassius  were 

overthrown,  then  soon  after  Antonius  and  Octavianus  brake 

and  subdivided.    These  examples  are  of  wars,  but  the 


9  Vid.  J.  L.  i.  vii.  7. 


y^ 


.-^ 


m  It 


112 


Essays, 


same  lioldeth  in  private  factions.  And  therefore  those 
that  are  seconds  in  factions  do  many  times,  when  the 
faction  subdivideth,  prove  principals :  but  many  times  also 
they  prove  ciphers  and  cashiered :  for  many  a  man's 
strength  is  in  opposition ;  and  when  that  faileth,  he  groweth 
out  of  use.  It  is  commonly  seen  that  men  once  placed 
take  in  with  the  contrary  faction  to  that  by  which  they 
enter;  thinking,  belike,  that  they  have  their  first  sure;  and 
now  are  ready  for  a  new  purchase.  The  traitor  in  faction 
lightly  goeth  away  with  it ;  for  when  matters  have  stuck 
long  in  balancing,  the  winning  of  some  one  man  casteth 
them,  and  he  getteth  all  the  thanks.  The  even  carriao:e 
between  two  factions  proceedeth  not  always  of  modera- 
tion, but  of  a  trueness  to  a  man's  self,  with  end  to  make 
use  of  both.  Certainly,  in  Italy,  they  hold  it  a  little  suspect 
in  popes,  when  they  have  often  in  their  mouth  Fadre 
commune,  and  take  it  to  be  a  sign  of  one  that  meaneth  to 
refer  all  to  the  greatness  of  his  own  house.  Kings  had 
need  beware  how  they  side  themselves,  and  make  them- 
selves as  of  a  faction  or  party ;  for  leagues  within  the  state 
are  ever  pernicious  to  monarchies ;  for  they  raise  an  obliga- 
tion paramount  to  obligation  of  sovereignty,  and  make  the 
king  tanquam  unus  ex  nobis;  as  was  to  be  seen  in  the 
league  of  France.  When  factions  are  carried  too  high  and 
too  violently,  it  is  a  sign  of  weakness  in  princes,  and  much 
to  the  prejudice  both  of  their  authority  and  business.  The 
motions  of  factions  under  kings  ought  to  be  like  the 
motions  (as  the  astronomers  speak)  of  the  inferior  orbs ; 
which  may  have  their  proper  motions,  but  yet  still  are 
quietly  carried  by  the  higher  motion  oiprimum  mobile. 


LII.    OF   CEREMONIES   AND   RESPECTS. 

He  that  is  only  real  had  need  have  exceeding  great 
parts  of  virtue;  as  the  stone  had  need  to  be  rich  that  is  set 
without  foil.  But  if  a  man  mark  it  well,  it  is  in  praise  and 
commendation  of  men,  as  it  is  in  gettings  and  gams.  For 
the  proverb  is  true  That  light  gains  make  heavy  purses ; 
for  light  gains  come  thick,  whereas  great  come  but  now 
and  then.  So  it  is  true,  that  small  matters  win  great  com- 
mendation, because  they  are  continually  in  use  and  in 
note ;  whereas  the  occasion  of  any  great  virtue  cometh  but 
on  festivals ;  therefore  it  doth  much  add  to  a  man's  reputa- 
tion, and  is  (as  Queen  Isabella  said)  like  perpetual  letters 


^ 


^ 


i 


{ 


?■ 


1,1 


I  i  I  f 


1 


V 


\ 


\ 


*i 


lit 


Of  Ceremonies  and  Respects, 


113 


commendatory,  to  have  good  forms.  To  attain  them,  it 
almost  sufficeth  not  to  despise  them ;  for  so  shall  a  man 
observe  them  in  others ;  and  let  him  trust  himself  with  the 
rest.  For  if  he  labour  too  much  to  express  them,  he  shall 
lose  their  grace ;  which  is  to  be  natural  and  unaffected. 
Some  men's  behaviour  is  like  a  verse,  wherein  every 
syllable  is  measured:  how  can  a  man  comprehend  great 
matters  that  breaketh  his  mind  too  much  to  small  observa- 
tions ?  Not  to  use  ceremonies  at  all  is  to  teach  others  not 
to  use  them  again;  and  so  diminish  respect  to  himself: 
especially  they  are  not  to  be  omitted  to  strangers  and 
formal  natures:  but  the  dwelling  upon  them,  and  exalting 
them  above  the  moon,  is  not  only  tedious,  but  doth 
diminish  the  faith  and  credit  of  him  that  speaks.  And 
certainly,  there  is  a  kind  of  conveying  of  effectual  and 
imprintmg  passages  amongst  compliments,  which  is  of 
singular  use,  if  a  man  can  hit  upon  it.  Amongst  a  man's 
peers,  a  man  shall  be  sure  of  famiharity;  and  therefore  it  is 
good  a  little  to  keep  state  ;  amongst  a  man's  inferiors,  one 
shall  be  sure  of  reverence;  and  therefore  it  is  good  a  little  to 
be  familiar.  He  that  is  too  much  in  any  thing,  so  that  he 
giveth  another  occasion  of  satiety,  maketh  himself  cheap. 
To  apply  one's  self  to  others  is  good ;  so  it  be  with 
demonstration,  that  a  man  doth  it  upon  regard  and  not 
facility.  It  is  a  good  precept  generally  in  seconding 
another,  yet  to  add  somewhat  of  one's  own :  as  if  you  will 
grant  his  opinion,  let  it  be  with  some  distinction ;  if  you 
will  follow  his  motion,  let  it  be  with  condition ;  if  you 
allow  his  counsel,  let  it  be  with  alleging  further  reason. 
Men  had  need  beware  how  they  be  too  perfect  in  compli- 
ments; for  be  they  never  so  sufficient  otherwise,  their 
enviers  will  be  sure  to  give  them  that  attribute,  to  the 
disadvantage  of  their  greater  virtues.  It  is  loss  also  in 
business  to  be  too  full  of  respects,  or  to  be  too  curious  in 
observing  times  and  opportunities.  Solomon  saith,  he  that 
consider^th  the  wind  shall  not  sow,  and  he  that  looketh  to 
the  clouds  shall  not  reap.^  A  wise  man  will  make  more 
opportunities  than  he  finds.  Men's  behaviour  should  be 
like  their  apparel,  not  too  strait  or  point  device,  but  free 
for  exercise  or  motion. 

LIII.    OF   PRAISE. 

Praise  is  the  reflection  of  virtue.  But  it  is  as  the  glass,  or 
body  which  giveth  the  reflection.    If  it  be  from  common 

'  Eccl.  xi.  4. 

X 


114 


Essays. 


people  It  IS  commonly  false  and  naught,  and  rather 
foJloweth  vain  persons  than  virtuous.  For  the  common 
people  understand  not  many  excellent  virtues  :  the  lowest 
virtues  draw  praise  from  them ;  the  middle  virtues  work 
in  them  astonishment  or  admiration ;  but  of  the  highest 

In'nT  ^^^  T.-^°  ''• '"w^"  perceiving  at  all :  but  slows 
andspenes  virtutthm  similes  serve  best  with  them  Cer- 
tainly,  fame  is  like  a  river,  that  bearcth  up  things  light 
and  swollen,  and  drowns  things  weighty  ancTsolidT  but  if 
persons  of  quality  and  judgment  concur,  then  it  is  (as   he 

It  filleth  all  round  about,  and  will  not  easily  away  f  for  the 
odours  of  ointments  are  more  durable  than  those  of  flowers 

Sfl    1    u'°.  "^"^  ^^''^  Pc?'*^*^  «f  P'-'^i^e  that  a  man  may 
justly  hold  It  a  suspect.     Some  praises  proceed  merely  o7 
flattery ;  and  if  he  be  an  ordinary  flatterer,  he  will  have 
certam  common  attributes  which  may  serve  ^very  man  ^f 
he  be  a  cunning  flatterer,  he  will  follow  the  archfl™tte;er 
J^hich  IS  a  man's  self;  and  wherein  a  man  thinketh  best  of 
himself,  therein  the  flatterer  will  uphold  him  most;  but  if 
he  be  an  impudent  flatterer,  look  wherein  a  man  is  con 
scious  to  himself  that  he  is  most  defective,  and  ismost  out 
of  countenance  in  himself,  that  will  the  flatterer  enMeHm 
to  perforce,  spreta  conscientia.    Some  praises  come  of  good 
wishes  and  respects,  which  is  a  form  due  in  civility  to  kfngs 
and  great  persons,  laudando  pracipere;  when  LSI 

«Tnnl  J'f  '""^^  ''''  '^'y  ^^P-^'^'^t  to  them  wYat    he? 

W    +1.      K  ^T^  ."'^'^  ^'^  P''^'«'^<^  maliciously  to  tS 

hurt,  thereby  to  stir  envy  and  jealousy  towards  them    • 
pessimum  gems  immicomm  laudanUum;  insomuch  as  it 

was  a  proverb  among  the  Grecians,  that.  V^a<  he  that  las 
praised  to  his  hurt  should  have  a  push  rise  upon  hhnose- 
as  we  say.  that  a  blister  will  rise  upon  one's  ton  "ue  that 
tells  a  he     Certainly,  moderate  praise,  used  wKppor 
tunity,  and  not  vulgar,  is  that  which  doth  the  good    E 
mon  ^^^ih,  he  that  praiseth  his  friend  aloud,  rishg  early 
It  shall  be  to  him  no  better  than  a  curse.'    Too  much  mil' 
nifying  of  man  or  matter  doth  irritate  contrad^tbn    an^d" 

aecent,  except  it  be  in  rare  cases :  but  to  praise  a  man's 
office  or  profession,  he  may  do  it  with  good  grace  and  wfth 
a  kmd  of"  magnanimity.   I'he  cardinals%f  Home  VWch  ^e 


Of  Praise. 


115 


f  S         \ 


2  Eccl.  vii.  1, 


'  Prov.  xxvii.  14. 


\    i 


)  y 


f     *- 


./ 


\ 


i 

■'s 


^ 


theologues,  and  friars  and  sclioolmen,  have  a  phrase  of 
notable  contempt  and  scorn  towards  civil  business ;  for 
they  call  all  temporal  business  of  wars,  embassages,  judi- 
cature, and  other  employments,  shirrerie;  which  is  under 
sheriffries  ;  as  if  they  were  but  matters  for  under-sheriffs 
and  catchpoles  ;  though  many  times  those  under  sheriffries 
do  more  good  than  their  high  speculations.  St.  Paul,  when 
he  boasts  of  himself,  he  doth  oft  interlace,  /  speak  like  a 
fool;"^  but  speaking  of  his  calling,  he  saith,  magnificaho 
ajpostaltum  meum} 

LIV.    OF  VAIN-GLORY. 

It  was  prettily  devised  of  ^sop,  the  fly  sat  upon  the 
axle-tree  of  the  chariot  wheel,  and  said,  What  a  dust  do  I 
raise!  So  are  there  some  vain  persons  that  whatsoever 
goeth  alone,  or  moveth  uj)on  the  greater  means,  if  they 
have  never  so  little  hand  in  it,  they  think  it  is  they  that 
carry  it.  They  that  are  glorious  must  needs  be  factious ; 
for  all  bravery  stands  upon  comparisons.  They  must  needs 
be  violent  to  make  good  their  own  vaunts ;  neither  can 
they  be  secret,  and  therefore  not  effectual ;  but  according 
to  the  French  proverb,  heaucoup  de  bruit  peu  de  fruit; — 
much  bruit  little  fruit.  Yet  certainly  there  is  use  of  this 
quality  in  civil  affairs.  Where  there  is  an  opinion  and 
fame  to  be  created,  either  of  virtue  or  greatness,  these  men 
are  good  trumpeters.  Again,  as  Titus  Livius  noteth  in 
the  case  of  Antiochus  and  the  ^tolians,^  there  are  some- 
times great  effects  of  cross  lies  ;  as  if  a  man  tliat  negotiates 
between  two  princes,  to  draw  them  to  join  in  a  war  against 
the  third,  doth  extol  the  forces  of  either  of  them  above 
measure,  the  one  to  the  other :  and  sometimes  he  that 
deals  between  man  and  man  raiseth  his  own  credit  with 
both,  by  pretending  greater  interest  than  he  hath  in  either. 
And  in  these,  and  the  like  kinds,  it  often  falls  out,  that 
somewhat  is  produced  of  nothing :  for  lies  are  sufficient  to 
breed  opinion,  and  opinion  brings  on  substance.  In  military 
commanders  and  soldiers,  vain-glory  is  an  essentialpoint;  for 
as  iron  sharpens  iron,  so  by  glory  one  courage  sharpeneth 
another.  In  cases  of  great  enterprise  upon  charge  and 
adventure,  a  composition  of  glorious  natures  doth  put  life 
into  business  ;  and  those  that  are  of  solid  and  sober  na- 


*  2  Cor.  xi.  2,  3.        *  ftom.  xi.  13.        «  Vid.  Liv.  xxxvii.  48. 

i2 


116 


Essays. 


\ 


,t 


tures,  have  more  of  the  ballast  than  of  the  sail  In  fam^ 
oltiSof'o'ft*"^"?^  sW  without  s'ome  feaSerrof 
nomfnluun.  £TJ'  5^'!"''*^"'^*  gloria  lihros  scribunt, 
nomen  suum  tnscnbuntJ  Socrates,  Aristotle,  Galen  were 
men  full  of  ostentation.     Certainly,  vain-glorr  helDcth  to 

EZl  r'".  \"'"°  '  '""'"'''•y'  anl  virtufvrfs  never  80 
beholden  to  human  nature,  as  it  received  it<.  r1„l,  ,f  t^ 

second  hand     Neither  had  the  Va^e  of  ctro    Seneca 
-Plinius  Secundus  borne  her  a^rp  en  w^ii  \p  w^  u  j     oerieca, 

Joined  with  some  ^^^yt' ti:r::zii:'^::Lr.^:2 

i>ertj  that  Tacitus  doth  attribute  to  C-ian  ,,    ?^*  ^'''^ 
qu.  di.erat  fecerat,ue,  arte  q^X^M^^tTZl 

datipn  to  others,  in  that  whe  ein  a  man^s  elf  h"!'"'"'"''''- 
fection.      For  saith  Pliny    verv  wftHlV   '  °^  ??'*' 

another  you  do  yourself  rlht^lXlll  /'*  commendina 
is  eithef  superior  to  vnf  in  J^\  ^  *''''*  5^°"  commencf, 
ferior;  if  iL^  bTfnferio^r^f  L*K^*/7  commend,  or  in- 
much  'more  f  if\f beTApi^,  '^^f  he  t  TtT  f'  ^^"^ 
mended,  vou  m\ioh  Ir^aa      r^i^  •  ^^  ^^  ^^  com- 

wisemenft1.eTdtitTion?nboT.ril^?  ^^^  "°™  ^^ 
and  the  slaves  of  their  own  vaunts.'  ""^  "^^^^''^^^  = 

LV.    OF   HONOUR   AND    REPUTATION. 

.  ihe  winmng  of  honour  is  but  the  reveaJin,.  r.f  »  ,v,     • 
virtues  and  -worth  wifl.r,„t  a-    j      revealing  ol  a  man  s 

their  actions  do  woo  ind  J  ft^"'^^'^-  *'<^''  «o^e  in 
which  sort  of  men  ar^  cLf^f  ''°°?'"  ^"*^  reputation  ; 
wardly  little  arfmired  AnT  ^  '""'''  ^""^^^^  ^f'  but  in: 
their  virtue  in  thTshot  o^ff  /'''"'k contrariwise,  darken 
opinion.     If  a  man  pXm   hat  wl.H^hu"'^'^''''^"''^^'!  i'l 

"St^^d^^^^,  t-hafh 

.   J  ^'^-  ^^"^^^  ^^>J0.  i.  15. 

«^^.^x.  80.     ^.Z.ii.xxiii.  2. 
'  Plin.  ^/j^.  vi.  1 7. 


ti 


V^'i 


i 


I 


^^i*. 


•V 


^  ♦ 


r^. 


,?' 


0/*  Honour  and  Reputation, 


117 


difficulty  or  virtue,  wKerein  he  is  but  a  follower.  If  a 
man  so  temper  his  actions,  as  in  some  one  of  them  lie  doth 
content  every  faction  or  combination  of  people,  the  music 
will  be  the  fuller.  A  man  is  an  ill  husband  of  his  honour 
that  entereth  into  any  action,  the  faiHng  wherein  may 
disgrace  him  more  than  the  carrying  of  it  through  can 
honour  him.  Honour  that  is  gained  and  broken  upon 
another  hath  the  quickest  reflection;  like  diamonds  cut 
with  facets;  and  therefore  let  a  man  contend  to  excel  any 
competitors  of  his  in  honour,  in  outshooting  them,  if  he 
can,  in  their  own  bow.  Discreet  followers  and  servants 
help  much  to  reputation :  Omnisfama  a  domesticis  emanat} 
Envy,  which  is  the  canker  of  honour,  is  best  distinguished 
by  declaring  a  man's  self  in  his  ends,  rather  to  seek  merit 
than  fame;  and  by  attributing  a  man's  successes  rather  to 
divine  Providence  and  felicity  than  to  his  own  virtue  or 
policy.  The  true  marshalling  of  the  degrees  of  sovereign 
honour  are  these.  In  the  first  place  are  conditores  im- 
periorum,  founders  of  states  and  commonwealths ;  such  as 
were  Eomulus,  Cyrus,  Caesar,  Ottoman,  Ismael.  In  the 
second  place  are  legislatores,  lawgivers ;  which  are  also 
called  second  founders,  or  perpetui  principes,  because  they 
govern  by  their  ordinances  after  they  are  gone :  such  w^ere 
Lycurgus,  Solon,  Justinian,  Edgar,  Alphonsus  of  Castile, 
the  Wise,  that  made  the  Siete  paHidas.  In  the  third 
place  are  liheratores,  or  salvatores ;  such  as  compound  the 
long  miseries  of  civil  wars,  or  deliver  their  countries  from 
servitude  of  strangers  or  tyrants;  as  Augustus  Caesar, 
Vespasianus,  Aurelianus,  Theodoricus,  King  Henry  the 
Seventh  of  England,  King  Henry  the  Jfourth  of  France. 
In  the  fourth  place  are  propagatores^  or  propugnatores 
imperii,  such  as  in  honourable  wars  enlarge  their  terri- 
tories, or  make  noble  defence  against  invaders.  And  in 
the  last  place  are  patres  patrice,  which  reign  justly,  and 
make  the  times  good  wherein  they  live.  Both  which  last 
kinds  need  no  examples,  they  are  in  such  number.  Degrees 
of  honour  in  subjects  are;  first  participes  cur  arum,  those 
upon  whom  princes  do  discharge  the  greatest  weight  of 
their  affairs:  their  right  hands,  as  we  may  call  them.  The 
next  are  duces  belli,  great  leaders;  such  as  are  princes* 
lieutenants,  and  do  them  notable  services  in  the  wars. 
The  third  are  gratiosi,  favourites;  such  as  exceed  not  this 


*  Q.  Cic.  de  Feiit.  Consul,  v.  17.     {A.  L.  ii.  xxiii.  15.) 


7 


118 


I 


Essays. 


Of  Judicature. 


119 


scantling;  to  be  so  ace  to  the  sovereign,  and  harmless  to 
the  people.  And  the  fourth,  negotiis pares;  such  as  have 
great  places  under  princes,  and  execute  their  places  with 
sufficiency.  There  is  an  honour  hkewise  whfch  may  be 
ranked  amongst  the  greatest,  which  happeneth  rarely 
Srtl!''  ''^^^'^Sf^  f^^^fice  themselves  to  Seath  or  dange^ 
two  Dedi.  '°'^*'^'  "^  ^"^  ^-  ^^"^"^"«'  ^'i  ^^^ 

liVI.    OP  JUDICATURE. 

anSfT^]**  to  remember  that  their  office  i8>.  dicere, 
oril  I  J'^'/T'  *•?,  l°tfrpret  law,  and  not  to  make  law 
tK  ^""T'^t^  ^^'  '}>^  like  the  authority  claimedTy 
the  church  of  Eome ;  which  under  pretext  of  exposition  of 
scripture  doth  not  stick  to  add  anddter,  and  to  pronounce 
that  which  they  do  not  find,  and  by  show  of  ant^SS  to 
introduce  novelty.  Judges  ought  to  be  more  learned  tLa 
conSdeT' fbT'^S  */l^"  P'^^V^ible ;  and  more  advfsed  han 
proper  vLf'^  '"  ^^'°^!l ?.*"^,"*^  ^^  ^^^'^  P^^ion  and 

bnt  rt^?^        The  mislayer  of  a  mere  stone  is  to  blame- 
but  It  18  the  unjust  judge  that  is  the  capital  remover  of 
land-marks,  when  he  defineth  amiss  of  lands  and  pTopertv 
One  foul  sentence  doth  more  hurt  than  many  foul  exaS" 

me  rountam.     feo  saitli  So bmon.  Fons  turhnfn^,  ^/  .,  J 

Ihe  office  of  judges  may  have  reference  unto  the  mrtfes 
that  sue;  unto  the  advocates  that  plead  unto  the^H^Z 
and  ministers  of  justice  underneath  them  and  to  T'- 
sovereign  or  state  above  them.  '  ^  *^® 

(Jthkl%  *^!  ''T.f  "'■  ?*'■*'<'«  tl^at  «"«•    There  be 

S'S  dut  oVi'^^'  '^\''''^'  -akrit'TouT'Thl 

Ml  SforcJifth.''^^"  '''  ^  ^"PP'""^^  ^°'-''«  ^^i  fraud! 
frl,,^  tV     •!  •     ,     ™°'"''  pernicious  when  it  is  open  ■  and 

or  courts.    A  judge  ought  to  prepare  his  way  to  a  just 


3  Beu!^.r  1?  ''%Tz%r'''>  i^i-v^r 


em.     v^.  Z.  ii. 


■^^t 


^5  « 


"    '  I* 


* 


'>. 


>, 
W- 


I 


»v 


sentence,  as  God  nseth  to  prepare  his  way,  by  raising 
valleys  and  taking  down  hills;  so  when  there  appeareth  on 
either  side  a  high  hand,  violent  prosecution,  cunning  ad- 
vantages taken,  combination,  power,  great  counsel,  then  is 
the  virtue  of  a  judge  seen  to  make  inequality  equal ;  that 
he  may  plant  his  judgment  as  upon  an  even  ground.  Qui 
for  titer  emungit,  elicit  sanguinem,^  and  where  the  wine- 
press is  hard  wrought,  it  yields  a  harsh  wine,  that  tastes 
of  the  grape-stone.  Judges  must  beware  of  hard  construc- 
tions, and  strained  inferences;  for  there  is  no  worse  torture 
than  the  torture  of  laws.  Specially  in  case  of  laws  penal, 
they  ought  to  have  care  that  that  which  was  meant  for 
terror  be  not  turned  into  rigour;  and  they  that  bring  not 
upon  the  people  that  shower  whereof  the  Scripture  speaketh, 
Pluet  super  eos  laqueos:"^  for  penal  laws  pressed  are  a 
shower  of  snares  upon  the  people.  Therefore  let  penal 
laws,  if  they  have  been  sleepers  of  long,  or  if  they  be  grown 
unfit  for  the  present  time,  be  by  wise  judges  confined  in 
the  execution: 

Judicis  officium  est,  ut  res,  ita  tempora  rerum,  &e.8 

In  causes  of  life  and  death  judges  ought  (as  far  as  the  law 
permitteth),  in  justice  to  remember  merc;^;  and  to  cast  a 
severe  eye  upon  the  example,  but  a  merciful  eye  upon  the 

person. 

Secondly,  for  the  advocates  and  counsel  that  plead. 
Patience  and  gravity  of  hearing  is  an  essential  part  of 
justice,  and  an  over-speaking  judge  is  no  well-tuned 
cymbal.^  It  is  no  grace  to  a  judge  first  to  find  that  which 
he  might  have  heard  in  due  time  from  the  bar;  or  to  show 
quickness  of  conceit  in  cutting  ofi"  evidence  or  counsel  too 
short,  or  to  prevent  information  by  questions,  though 
pertinent.  The  parts  of  a  judge  in  hearing  are  four :  to 
direct  the  evidence  ;  to  moderate  length,  repetition,  or  im- 
pertinency  of  speech;  to  recapitulate,  select,  and  colJate 
the  material  points  of  that  which  hath  been  said,  and  to 
give  the  rule  or  sentence.  Whatsoever  is  above  these  is 
too  much;  and  proceedeth  either  of  glory  or  willingness  to 
speak,  or  of  impatience  to  hear,  or  of  shortness  of  memory, 
or  of  want  of  a  stayed  and  equal  attention.  It  is  a  strange 
thing  to  see  that  the  boldness  of  advocates  should  prevail 
with  judges;  whereas  they  should  imitate  God,  in  whose 

«  Prov.  XXX.  33.        ^  Ps.  xi.  6.        »  Ovid.  Trist.  I.  i.  37. 
»  Ps.  cl.  5.  (Pray er-Book  Version.) 


vV 


■■%  -'       w 


120 


Essays, 


seat  they  sit,  who  represseth  the  presumptuous,  and  o^iveth 
grace  to  the  modest.  But  it  is  more  straa^e,  that  judges 
should  have  noted  favourites,  which  cannot  but  cause  mul- 
tiplication of  fees,  and  suspicion  of  by-wajs.  There  is 
due  from  the  judge  to  the  advocate  some  comraeudation 
and  gracing,  where  causes  are  well  handled  and  fair 
pleaded;  especially  towards  the  side  which  obtaineth  not; 
for  that  upholds  in  the  client  the  reputation  of  his  counsel, 
and  beats  down  in  him  the  conceit  of  his  cause.  There  is 
likewise  due  to  the  public  a  civil  reprehension  of  advocates, 
where  there  appeareth  cunning  counsel,  gross  neglect, 
slio^ht  information,  indiscreet  pressing,  or  an  over  bold 
defence.  And  let  not  the  counsel  at  the  bar  chop  with  the 
judge,  nor  wind  himself  into  the  handling  of  the  cause 
anew  after  the  judge  hath  declared  his  sentence;  but,  on 
the  other  side,  let  not  the  judge  meet  the  cause  half  way, 
nor  give  occasion  to  the  party  to  say,  his  counsel  or  proofs 
were  not  heard. 

Thirdly,  for  that  that  concerns  clerks  and  ministers. 
The  place  of  justice  is  an  hallowed  place  ;  and  therefore 
not  only  the  bench,  but  the  foot-pace  and  precincts,  and 
purprise  thereof  ought  to  be  preserved  without  scandal 
and  corruption;  for,  certainly,  grapes  (as  the  Scripture 
^di!\t\))  will  not  he  qathered  of  thorns  or  thistles;^  neither 
can  justice  yield  her  fruit  with  sweetness  amongst  the 
briers  and  brambles  of  catching  and  polling  clerks  and 
ministers.     The  attendance  of  courts  is  subject  to  four  bad 
instruments.     First,  certain  persons  that  are  sowers  of 
suits  :  which  make  the  court  swell,  and  the  country  pine. 
The  second  sort  is  of  those  that  engage  courts  in  quar- 
rels of  jurisdiction,  and  are  not   truly  amicl  curicB,  but 
parasiti  curice,  in  puffing  a  court  up  beyond  her  bounds 
for  their  own  scraps  and  advantage.     The  third  sort  is  of 
those  that  may  be  accounted  the  left  hands  of  courts  ;  per- 
sons that  are  full  of  nimble  and  sinister  tricks  and  shifts, 
whereby  they  pervert  the  plain  and  direct  courses  of  courts,' 
and  bring  justice  into  oblique  lines  and  labyrinths.     And 
the  fourth  is  the  poller  and  exacter  of  fees  ;  which  justifies 
the  common  resemblance  of  the  courts  of  justice  to  the 
bush,   whereunto,    while   the   sheep  flies  for  defence  in 
vreather,  he  is  sure  to  lose  part  of  his  fleece.     On  the  other 
side,  an  ancient  clerk,  skilful  in  precedents,  wary  in  pro- 


>  ^ 


-^\h 


V) 


'  Matt,  vii.  IG. 


Of  Judicature, 


121 


ceeding,  and  understanding  in  the  business  of  the  court,  is 
an  excellent  finger  of  a  court,  and  doth  many  times  point 
the  way  to  the  judge  himself. 

Fourthly,  for  that  which  may  concern  the  sovereign 
and  estate.     Judges  ought,  above  all,  to  remember  the 
conclusion  of  the   Eoman   Twelve    tables,   Salus  populi 
suprema  lex:  and  to  know  that  laws,  except  they  be  in 
order  to  that  end,  are  but  things  captious,  and  oracles  not 
well  inspired.     Therefore  it  is  a  happy  thing  in  a  state, 
when  kings  and  states  do  often  consult  with  judges  ;  and 
again,  when  judges  do  often  consult  with  the  king  and 
state :  the  one,  when  there  is  matter  of  law  intervenient 
in  business  of  state ;  the  other,  when  there  is  some  con- 
sideration of  state  intervenient  in  matter  of  law ;  for  many 
times  the  things  deduced  to  judgment  may  be  meum  and 
tuum,  when  the  reason  and  consequence  thereof  may  trench 
to  point  of  estate.     I  call  matter  of  estate,  not  only  the 
parts    of  sovereignty,   but  whatsoever  introduceth  any 
great  alteration,  or  dangerous  precedent ;  or  concerneth 
manifestly  any  great  portion  of  people.    And  let  no  man 
weakly  conceive  that  just  laws,  and  true  policy,  have  any 
antipathy;  for  they  are  like  the  spirits  and  sinews,  that 
one  moves  with  the  other.   Let  judges  also  remember,  that 
Solomon's  throne  was  supported  by  lions  on  both  sides  ;^ 
let  them  be  lions,  but  yet  lions  under  the  throne :  being 
circumspect,  that  they  do  not  check  or  oppose  any  points 
of  sovereignty.      Let   not  judges   also     be   so    ignorant 
of  their  own  right  as  to  think  there  is  not  left  to  them,  as 
a  principal  part  of  their  office,  a  wise  use  and  application  of 
laws;  for  they  may  remember  what  the  apostle  saith  of  a 
greater  law  than  theirs :  Nos  scimus  quia  lex  bona  est, 
modo  quls  ea  uiatiir  legitime j^ 


LVII.    OF   ANGER. 

To  seek  to  extinguish  anger  utterly  is  but  a  bravery 
of  the  Stoics.  We  have  better  oracles  :  Be  angry,  hut  sin 
not :  let  not  the  sun  go  down  upon  your  anger. "^  Anger 
must  be  limited  and  confined,  both  in  race  and  in  time. 
We  will  first  speak  how  the  natural  inclination  and  habit, 
to  be  angry,  may  be  attempered  and  calmed.     Secondly, 


*  1  Kings  X.  20. 


3  1  Tim  i.  8. 


*  Eph.  iv.  26. 


122 


Essays. 


how  the  particular  motions  of  anger  may  be  repressed,  or 
at  least  refrained  from  doing  mischief';  thirdly,  how  to 
raise  anger  or  appease  anger  in  another. 

For  the  first ;  there  is  no  other  way  but  to  meditate 
and  rummate  well  upon  the  effects  of  anger,  how  it  troubles 
man  s  life.  And  the  best  time  to  do  this  is  to  look  back 
upon  anger  when  the  fit  is  thorouglily  over.  Seneca  saith 
well  th&t  anger  is  like  ruin,  which  breaks  itself  upon  that  it 
falls.  Ihe  Scripture  exhorteth  us  to  possess  our  souls  in 
patience.^  Whosoever  is  out  of  patience  is  out  of  posses- 
eion  of  his  soul.    Men  must  not  turn  bees ; 

....  animasquc  in  vulnere  ponunt.' 

Anger  is  certainly  a  kind  of  baseness ;  as  it  appears  well 
m  the  weakness  of  those  subjects  in  whom  it  reiffns  • 
children  women,  old  folks,  sick  folks.  Only  men  must 
beware  that  they  carry  their  anger  rather  with  scorn  than 
with  tear ;  so  that  they  may  seem  rather  to  be  above  the 
injury  than  below  it:  which  is  a  thing  easily  done,  if  a 
man  will  give  law  to  himself  in  it. 

For   the    second    point ;    the   causes  and  motives   of 
anger  are  chiefly  three.    First,  to  be  too  sensible  of  hurt  • 
lor  no  man  is  angrv  that  feels  not  himself  hurt :  and' 
therefore,  tender  and  delicate  persons  must  needs  be  oft 
angry;  they  have  so  many  things  to  trouble  them,  which 
more  robust  natures  have  little  sense  of.     The  next  is  the 
apprehension  and  construction  of  the  injurv  offered  to  be 
in  the  circumstances  thereof  full  of  contempt.     For  eon- 
tempt  18  that  which  putteth  an  edge  upon  anger,  as  much, 
or  more  than  the  hurt  itself.    And  therefore  ^hen  men 
are  ingenious  m  picking  out  circumstances  of  contempt 
they  do  kmdle  their  anger  much.     Lastly,  opinion  of  the 
touch,  of  a  mans  reputation  doth  multiply  and  sharpen 
anger.     Wherein  the  remedy  is  that  a  man  should  have 
as  Gonsalvo  was  wont  to  ^■e.y,telam  honoris  erassiorem? 
But  in  all  refrainings  of  anger,  it  is  the  best  remedy  to  win 
time;  and  to  make  a  man's  self  believe  that  the  oppor- 
tunity of  his  revenge  is  not  yet  come  :  but  that  he  foresees 
a  time  for  it;  and  so  to  still  himself  in  the  meantime  and 
reserve  it.  '      ^ 

To  contain  anger  from  mischief,  though  it  take  hold 


*  Sen.  D^ /r^.  i.  1. 
^  Virg.  Georff.  iv.  238. 


1( 


^^/ 


..%i» 


m\ 


Of  Anger, 


123 


of  a  man,  there  be  two  things  whereof  you  must  have 
special  caution :  the  one,  of  extreme  bitterness  of  words ; 
especially  if  they  be  aculeate  and  proper ;  for  communia 
maledicta  are  nothing  so  much ;  and  again,  that  in  anger 
a  man  reveal  no  secrets ;  for  that  makes  him  not  fit  for 
society.  The  other,  that  you  do  not  peremptorily  break 
off  in  any  business  in  a  fit  of  anger :  but  howsoever  you 
show  bitterness,  do  not  act  anything  that  is  not  revocable. 
For  raising  and  appeasing  anger  in  another ;  it  is  done 
chiefly  by  choosing  of  times,  when  men  are  frow^ardest 
and  worst  disposed,  to  incense  them.  Again,  by  gathering 
(as  was  touched  before)  all  that  you  can  find  out  to  aggra- 
vate the  contempt.  And  the  two  remedies  are  by  the 
contraries.  The  former  to  take  good  times,  when  first  to 
relate  to  a  man  an  angry  business  ;  for  the  first  impression 
is  much.  And  the  other  is  to  sever,  as  much  as  may  be, 
the  construction  of  the  injury  from  the  point  of  contempt : 
imputing  it  to  misunderstanding,  fear,  passion,  or  what 
you  will. 

LVIII.    OF   VICISSITUDE   OF   THINGS. 

Solomon  saith.  There  is  no  neio  thing  upon  the  earth? 
So  that  as  Plato  had  an  imagination  that  all  knowledge 
was  but  remembrance  ;^  so  Solomon  giveth  his  sentence, 
that  all  novelty  is  but  oblivion.  Whereby  yoa  may  see 
that  the  river  of  Lethe  runneth  as  well  above  ground  as 
below.  There  is  an  abstruse  astrologer  that  saith,  if  it 
were  not  for  two  things  that  are  constant  (the  one  is, 
that  the  fixed  stars  ever  stand  at  like  distance  one  from 
another,  and  never  come  nearer  together  nor  go  further 
asunder ;  the  other,  that  the  diurnal  motion  perpetually 
keepeth  time),  no  individual  would  last  one  moment. 
Certain  it  is,  that  the  matter  is  in  a  perpetual  flux,^  and 
never  at  a  stay.  The  great  winding-sheets  that  bury  all 
things  in  obUvion  are  two ;  deluges  and  earthquakes.  As 
for  conflagrations  and  great  droughts,  they  do  not  merely 
dispeople  but  destroy.  Phaeton's  car  went  but  a  day.  And 
the  three  years  drought  in  the  time  of  EUas  was  but  par- 
ticular, and  left  people  alive.     As  for  the  great  burnings 


''Luke  xxi.  19 
*  A.  L,  ii.  XX.  12. 


9  Eccl.  i.  9. 


*  Vid.  Adv.  of  Learn.  Bedic, 
2  J.L.ii.  V.  3. 


\ 


124 


Essays. 


Of  Vicissitude  of  Things. 


125 


by  lightnings,  which  are  often  in  the  West  Indies,  ther 
are  but  narrow  But  in  the  otlier  two  destructions,  by 
deJuge  and  earthquake,  it  is  further  to  be  noted,  that  the 
remnant  ot  people  winch  hap  to  be  reserved  are  commonly 
Ignorant  and  mountainous  people,  that  can  give  no  account 
ot  the  time  past ;  so  that  the  oblivion  is  all  one  as  if  none 
liad  been  left.  If  you  consider  well  of  the  people  of  the 
West  Indies,  it  is  very  probable  that  they  are  a  newer  or  a 
younger  people  than  the  people  of  the  old  world.  And  it 
IS  much  more  likely  that  the  destruction  that  hath  hereto- 

■    .??j*o  ^®  ^^^  ''*^*  ^y  earthquakes  (as  the  Egyptian 
priest  told  Solon  concerning  the  island  of  Atlantis," that  it 
was  swallowed  by  an  earthquake),  but  rather,  that  it  was 
desolated  by  a  particular  deluge.    For  earthquakes  are 
seldom  in  those  parts.     But,  on  the  other  side,  they  have 
Buch  pouring  rivers,  as  the  rivers  of  As.a  and  Africa  and 
Jiurope  are  but  brooks  to  them.     Their  Andes  likewise 
or  mountains,  are  far  higher  than  those  with  us ;  whereby 
It  seems,  that  the  remnants  of  generations  of  men  were  in 
11  .t Pf .*i<''^JY  'leluge  saved.     As  for  the  observation 
that  Machiavel  hath,  that  the  jealousy  of  sects  doth  much 
extinguish  the  memory  of  things  ;^  traducing  Gregory  the 
(^reat,  that  he   did  what  in  him  lay  to  extinguish   all 
Jieathen  antiquities ;  I  do  not  find  that  those  zeals  do 
any  great  effects,  nor  last  long ;  as  it  appeared  in  the 
succession  of  Sabinian,  who  did  revive  the  former  anti- 
quities. 

The  vicissitude,  or  mutations,  in  the  superior  globe 
are  no  fit  matter  for  this  present  argument.  It  mav  be 
llato  s  great  year,s  if  the  world  shouW  last  so  long,  would 
have  some  efiect;  not  in  renewing  t^  state  of  like  indi- 
viduals (for  that  is  the  fume  of  thosp  that  conceive  the 
celestial  bodies  have  more  accurate  infltience  upon  these 
things  below  than  indeed  they  have),  but  in  gross.  Comets, 
out  ot  question,  have  likewise  power  ^nd  effect  over  the 
gross  and  mass  of  things:  but  they  are  rather  gazed  upon 
in  their  journey  than  wisely  observed  in  their  effects- 
especialhr  m  their  respective  efiects;  that  is,  what  kind  of 
comet    for   magnitude,    colour,    version  of   the    beams 

teindVeffeltr '^  ''  '^^^^^'  ""^  '^'"^"^  P-<^"-t^ 


'  Vid.  Plat.  2^m,  iii.  24,  seq.  *  Mach.  Disc.  Sop.  Liv.  ii.  5 

*  Plat.  Tcm.  iii.  38,  seq.  " 


> 


^    m,.  ^ 


«*J 


T 


■>-■ 


* 


.»  ^■ 


There  is  a  toy  whicli  I  have  heard,  and  I  would  not 
have  it  given  over,  but  waited  upon  a  little.  They  say  it 
is  observed  in  the  Low  Countries  (I  know  not  in  what 
part)  that  every  five  and  thirty  years  the  same  kind  and 
suit  of  years  and  weathers  comes  about  again;  as  great 
frosts,  great  wet,  great  droughts,  warm  winters,  summers 
with  little  heat,  and  the  like:  and  they  call  it  the  prime. 
It  is  a  thing  I  do  the  rather  mention  because,  computing 
backwards,  I  have  found  some  concurrence. 

But  to  leave  these  points  of  nature,  and  to  come  to 
men.  The  greatest  vicissitude  of  things  amongst  men  is 
the  vicissitude  of  sects  and  religions.  For  those  orbs 
rule  in  men's  minds  most.  The  true  religion  is  built  upon 
the  rock;  the  rest  are  tossed  upon  the  waves  of  time.  To 
speak  therefore  of  the  causes  of  new  sects,  and  to  give 
some  counsel  concerning  them,  as  far  as  the  weakness  of 
human  judgment  can  give  stay  to  so  great  revolutions. 

When  the  religion  formerly  received  is  rent  by  dis- 
cords ;  and  when  the  holiness  of  the  professors  of  religion 
is  decayed  and  full  of  scandal;  and  withal  the  times  be 
stupid,  ignorant,  and  barbarous,  you  may  doubt  the 
springing  up  of  a  new  sect ;  if  then  also  there  should  arise 
any  extravagant  and  strange  spirit  to  make  himself  author 
thereof.  All  which  points  held  when  Mahomet  pubhshed 
his  law.  ,If  a  new  sect  have  not  two  properties,  fear  it 
not;  for  it  will  not  spread.  The  one  is  the  supplanting  or 
the  opposing  of  authority  established :  for  nothing  is  more 
popular  than   that.      The  other  is  the  giving  license  to 

Pleasures  and  a  voluptuous  life.  For  as  for  speculative 
eresies  (such  as  were  in  ancient  times  the  Arians,  and 
now  the  Arminians)  though  they  work  mightily  upon 
men's  wits,  yet  they  do  not  produce  any  great  alterations 
*  in  states;  except  it  be  by  the  help  of  civil  occasions. 
There  be  three  manners  of  plantations  of  new  sects :  by 
the  power  of  signs  and  miracles:  by  the  eloquence  and 
wisdom  of  speech  and  persuasion:  and  by  the  sword.  For 
martyrdoms,  I  reckon  them  amongst  miracles;  because 
they  seem  to  exceed  the  strength  of  human  nature:  and  I 
may  do  the  like  of  superlative  and  admirable  holiness  of 
life.  Surely  there  is  no  better  way  to  stop  the  rising  of 
new  sects  and  schisms  than  to  reform  abuses;  to  compound 
the  smaller  differences ;  to  proceed  mildly,  and  not  with  san- 
guinary persecutions,  and  rather  to  take  off  the  principal 
authors,  by  winning  and  advancing  them,  than  to  enrage 
them  by  violence  and  bitterness. 


126 


Essays, 


Of  Vicissitude  of  Things. 


127 


The  changes  and  vicissitudes  in  wars  are  many,  but 
chiefly  in  three  things;  in  the  seats  or  stages  of  the  war, 
in  the  weapons,  and  in  the  manner  of  the  conduct.  Wars 
in  ancient  time  seemed  more  to  move  from  east  to  west: 
for  the  Persians,  Assyrians,  Arabians,  Tartars  (which  were 
the  invaders)  were  all  eastern  people.  It  is  true,  the 
Gauls  were  western;  but  we  read  but  of  two  incursions  of 
theirs  ;  the  one  to  Gallo-Gra^cia,  the  other  to  Eome.  But 
east  and  west  have  no  certain  points  of  heaven ;  and  no 
more  have  the  wars,  either  from  the  east  or  west,  any 
certainty  of  observation.  But  north  and  south  are  fixed  : 
and  it  hath  seldom  or  never  been  seen  that  the  far  southern 
people  have  invaded  the  northern,  but  contrariwise. 
Whereby  it  is  manifest  that  the  northern  tract  of  the 
world  is  in  nature  the  more  martial  region :  be  it  in 
respect  of  the  stars  of  that  hemisphere,  or  of  the  great 
continents  that  are  upon  the  north:  whereas  the  south 
part,  for  aught  that  is  known,  is  almost  all  sea ;  or  (which 
18  most  apparent)  of  the  cold  of  the  northern  parts,  which 
is  that  which  without  aid  of  discipline  doth  make  the 
bodies  hardest  and  the  courages  warmest. 

Upon  the  breaking  and  shivering  of  a  great  state  and 
empire  you  may  be  sure  to  have  wars.     For  great  empires, 
while  they  stand,  do  enervate  and  destroy  the  forces  of 
the  natives  which  they  have  subdued,  resting  upon  their 
own  protecting  forces :  and  then,  when  they  fail  also,  all 
goes  to  ruin,  and  they  become  a  prey.     So  was  it  in  the 
decay  of  the  Roman  empire ;  and  likewise  in  the  empire 
of  Almaigne,  after  Charles  the  Great,  every  bird  taking  a 
feather ;    and  were  not  unlike  to  befall  to  Spain,  if  it 
should  break.     The  great  accessions  and  unions  of  king- 
doms do  likewise  stir  up  wars.     For  when  a  state  grows  to 
an  overpower,  it  is  like  a  great  flood  that  will  be  sure  to 
overflow.     As  it  hath  been  seen  in  the  states  of  Eome, 
Turkey,  Spain,  and  others.     Look  when  the  world  hath 
fewest  barbarous  peoples,  but  such  as  commonly  will  not 
marry  or  generate,  except  they  know  means  to  live  (as  it 
is  almost  everywhere  at  this  day  except  Tartary),  there  is 
no  danger  of  inundations  of  people :  but  when  there  be 
great  shoals  of  people  which  go  on  to  populate,  without 
foreseeing  means  of  life  and  sustentation,  it  is  of  necessity 
that  once  in  an  age  or  two  they  discharge  a  portion  of 
their  people  upon    other   nations:    which    the    ancient 
northern  people  were  wont  to  do  by  lot :  casting  lots  what 
part  should  stay  at  home,  and  what  should  seek  their 


^ 


41; 


f 


fortunes.  When  a  warlike  state  grows  soft  and  efle- 
minate,  they  may  be  sure  of  a  war.  For  commonly  such 
states  are  grown  rich  in  the  time  of  their  degenerating; 
and  so  the  prey  inviteth,  and  their  decay  in  valour  encou- 
rageth  a  war. 

As  for  the  weapons,  it  hardly  falleth  under  rule  and  ob- 
servation :  yet  we  see  even  they  have  returns  and  vicissi- 
tudes. For  certain  it  is,  that  ordnance  was  known  in  the 
city  of  the  Oxydraces,  in  India ;  and  was  that  which  the 
Macedonians  called  thunder  and  lightning  and  magic.  And 
it  is  well  known  that  the  use  of  ordnance  hath  been  in 
China  above  two  thousand  years.  The  conditions  of 
weapons,  and  their  improvements  are ;  first,  the  fetching 
afar  ofi";  for  that  outruns  the  danger:  as  it  is  seen  in 
ordnance  and  muskets.  Secondly,  the  strength  of  the  per- 
cussion, wherein  likewise  ordnance  do  exceed  all  arietations 
and  ancient  inventions.  The  third  is,  the  commodious  use 
of  them :  as  that  they  may  serve  in  all  weathers ;  that  the 
carriage  may  be  light  and  manageable ;  and  the  like. 

For  the  conduct  of  the  war :  at  the  first,  men  rested  ex- 
tremely upon  number :  they  did  put  the  wars  likewise  upon 
main  force  and  valour ;  pointing  days  for  pitched  fields, 
and  so  trying  it  out  upon  an  even  match  :  and  they  were 
more  ignorant  in  ranging  and  arraying  their  battles.  After 
they  grew  to  rest  upon  number,  rather  competent  than 
vast :  they  grew  to  advantages  of  place,  cunning  diversions, 
and  the  like  :  and  they  grew  more  skilful  in  the  ordering 
of  their  battles. 

In  the  youth  of  a  state  arms  do  flourish ;  in  the  middle 
age  of  a  state,  learning ;  and  then  both  of  them  together 
for  a  time :  in  the  declining  age  of  a  state,  mechanical  arts 
and  merchandise.  Learning  hath  its  infancy,  when  it  is 
but  beginning,  and  almost  childish ;  then  his  youth,  when 
it  is  luxuriant  and  juvenile ;  then  his  strength  of  years, 
when  it  is  solid  and  reduced :  and,  lastly,  his  old  age,  when 
it  waxeth  dry  and  exhaust.  But  it  is  not  good  to  look  too 
long  upon  these  turning  wheels  of  vicissitude  lest  we 
become  giddy.  As  for  the  philology  of  them,  that  is  but 
a  circle  of  tales,  and  therefore  not  fit  for  this  writing. 


L^ 


128 


A  Fragment  of  an  Essay  of  Fame. 


129 


A  FRAGMENT 


OP 


AN    ESSAY    OF    FAME. 


The  poets  make  Fame  a  monster:  they  describe  her  in 
part  finely  and  elegantly,  and  in  part  gravely  and  senten- 
tiously:  thev  say,  look  how  many  feathers  she  hath,  so 
many  eyes  she  hath  underneath,  so  many  tongues,  so  many 
voices,  she  pricks  up  so  many  ears. 

This  is  a  flourish;  there  follow  excellent  parables;  as 
that  she  gathereth  strength  in  going ;  that  she  goeth  upon 
the  ground,  and  yet  hideth  her  head  in  the  clouds  ;  that  in 
the  daytime  she  sitteth  in  a  watch-tower,  and  flieth  most 
by  night ;  that  she  mingleth  things  done  with  things  not 
done;  and  that  she  is  a  terror  to  great  cities;  but  that 
which  passeth  all  the  rest  is,  they  do  recount  that  the 
Earth,  mother  of  the  giants  that  made  war  against  Jupiter, 
and  were  by  hira  destroyed,  thereupon  in  anger  brought 
forth  Fame ;  for  certain  it  is  that  rebels,  figured  by  the 
giants,  and  seditious  fames,  and  libels,  are  but  brothers  and 
sisters,  mascuhne  and  feminine:  but  now  if  a  man  can  tame 
this  monster,  and  bring  her  to  feed  at  the  hand  and  govern 
her,  and  with  her  fly  other  ravening  fowl  and  kill  them,  it 
is  somewhat  worth :  but  we  are  infected  with  the  style  of 
the  poets.     To  speak  now  in  a  sad  and  serious  manner, 
there  is  not  in  all  the  politics  a  place  less  handled,  and  more 
worthy  to  be  handled  than  this  of  fame:  we  will  therefore 
speak  of  these  points  :  what  are  false  fames;  and  what  are 
true  fames;  and  how  they  may  be  best  discerned;  how 
fames  may  be  sown  and  raised;  how  they  may  be  spread 
and  multiplied ;  and  how  they  may  be  checked  and  laid 
dead;  and  other  things  concerning  the  nature  of  fame. 
Fame  is  of  that  force  as  there  is  scarcely  any  great  action 
wherein  it  hath  not  a  great  part,  eppecially  m  the  war. 
Mucianus  undid  Vitellius  by  a  fame  that  he  scattered,  that 
Vitellius  had  in  purpose  to  remove  the  legions  of  Syria  into 
Germany,  and  the  legions  of  Germany  into  Syria;  where- 


i 


r 


*-      V. 


1> 


\ 


upon  the  legions  of  Syria  were  infinitely  inflamed.^  Julius 
Csesar  took  Pompey unprovided;  and  laid  asleep  his  industry 
and  preparations  by  a  fame  that  he  cunningly  gave  out, 
how  Caesar's  own  soldiers  loved  him  not;  and  being  wearied 
with  the  wars  and  laiden  with  the  spoils  of  Gaul,  would 
forsake  him  as  soon  as  he  came  into  Italy  .^  Li  via  settled 
all  things  for  the  succession  of  her  son  Tiberius  by  con- 
tinual giving  out  that  her  husband  Augustus  was  upon 
recovery  and  amendment^  and  it  is  a  usual  thing  with  the 
bashaws  to  conceal  the  death  of  the  Great  Turk  from  the 
janizaries  and  men  of  war,  to  save  the  sacking  of  Constan- 
tinople and  other  towns,  as  their  manner  is.  Themistocles 
made  Xerxes  king  of  Persia  post  apace  out  of  Grsecia,  by 
giving  out  that  the  Grecians  had  a  purpose  to  break  his 
bridge  of  ships,  which  he  had  made  athwart  the  Hellespont.^ 
There  be  a  thousand  such  like  examples,  and  the  more 
they  are  the  less  they  need  to  be  repeated,  because  a  man 
meeteth  with  them  everywhere:  therefore  let  all  wise 
governors  have  as  great  a  watch  and  care  over  fames  as 
they  have  of  the  actions  and  designs  themselves. 

The  rest  of  the  Essay  of  Fame  was  not  finished. 


«  Tacit.  HisL  ii.  80. 
^  Tacit.  A7in,  i.  5. 


7  Cses.  de  Bell  Civ.  i.  6. 
s  Vid.  Herod,  viii.  108, 109. 


*c 


\  II 


^  ij 


r\\ 


'^ 


OF  THE 


O 


COLOURS 


OP 


GOOD   AND   EVIL: 


I    - 


A  FRAGMENT. 


\ 


(I 


O 

i. 


£2 


i 


lu 


*  « , 


.T 


I 


TO  THE  LORD  MOUNTJOYE .♦ 

T  SEND  you  the  last  part  of  the  best  book  of  Aristotle 
!     of  Stagira,  who,  as  your  lordship  knoweth,  goeth  for 
the  best  author.    But,  saving  the  civil  respect  which  is 
due  to  a  received  estimation,  the  man  bemg  a  Grecian  and 
of  a  hasty  wit,  having  hardly  a  discerning  patience,  much 
less  a  teaching  patience,  hath  so  delivered  the  matter  as  i 
am  glad  to  do  the  part  of  a  good  house  hen,  which,  with- 
out any  strangeness,  will  sit  upon  pheasant's  eggs.     A^d 
yet,  perchance,  some  that  shall  compare  my  lines  with 
Aristotle's  lines,  will  muse  by  what  art,  or  rather  by  what 
revelation,  I  could  draw  these  conceits  out  of  that  place. 
But  I,  that  should  know  best,  do  freely  acknowledge  that 
I  had  my  light  from  him;  for  where  he  gave  me  not  matter 
to  perfect,  at  the  least  he  gave  me  occasion  to  invent. 
Wherein  as  I  do  him  right,  being  myself  a  man  that  am 
as  free  from  envying  the  dead  in  contemplation,  as  trom 
envyinff  the  living  in  action  or  fortune :  so  yet,  neverthe- 
less, still  I  say,  and  I  speak  it  more  largely  than  before, 
that  in  perusing  the  writings  of  this  person  so  much  cele- 
brated,  whether  it  were  the  impediment  of  his  wit,  or  that 
he  did  it  upon  glory  and  affectation  to  be  subtle,  as  one 
that  if  he  had  seen  his  own  conceits  clearly  and  perspi- 
cuously delivered,  perhaps  would  have  been  out  ot  love 
with  them  himself;  or  else  upon  policy,  to. keep  hunselt 
close,  as  one  that  had  been  a  challenger  of  all  the  world, 
and  had  raised  infinite  contradiction :  to  what  cause  soever 
it  is  to  be  ascribed,  I  do  not  find  him  to  dehver  and 
unwrap  himself  weU  of  that  he  seemeth  to  conceive,  nor  to 
be  a  master  of  his  own  knowledge.    Neither  do  1,  lor  my 
part  also,  though  I  have  brought  in  a  new  manner  ot 
handUng  this  argument,  to  make  it  pleasant  and  lightsome, 
pretend  so  to  have  overcome  the  nature  of  the  subject,  but 
that  the  fuU  understanding  and  use  of  it  will  be  somewhat 
dark,  and  best  pleasing  to  the  taste  of  such  wits  as  are 
patient  to  stay  tie  digesting  and  soluting  unto  themselves 
of  that  which  is  sharp  and  subtle.    Which  was  the  cause, 
ioined  with  the  love  and  honour  I  bear  your  lordship,  as 
the  person  I  know  to  have  many  virtues  and  an  excellent 
order  of  them,  which  moved  me  to  dedicate  this  wntmg  to 
your  lordship  after  the  ancient  manner :  choosing  both  a 
friend,  and  one  to  whom  I  conceived  the  argument  was 
agreeable. 

♦  Not  originally  prefixed  to  the  work.  It  is  Jound  in  the 
"  Remains"  published  by  Stephens,  and  there  is  a  MS.  of  it  m  tHe 
British  Museum.     (Montagu.) 


In  deliberatives,  the  point  is,  what  is  good,  and 
what  18  evil ;  and  of  good  what  is  greater ;  and  of  evU  what 
IS  less. 

So  that  the  persuader's  labour  is  to  make  things  appear 
good  or  evil,  and  that  in  an  higher  or  lower  degree;  which 
as  It  may  be  performed  by  true  and  sohd  reasons,  so  it 
may  be  represented   also   by  colours,   popularities,  and 
circumstances,  which  are  of  such  force  as  they  sway  the 
ordinary  judgment  either  of  a  weak  man  or  of  a  wise  man 
not  fuUy  and  considerately  attending  and  pondering  the 
matter.    Besides  their  power  to  alter  the  nature  of  the 
subject  m  appearance,  and  so  to  lead  to  error,  they  are 
ot  no  less  use  to  quicken  and  strengthen  the  opinions  and 
persuasions  which  are  true:  for  reasons  plainly  delivered 
and  always  after  one   manner,  especiaUy  with  fine  and 
tastidious  minds,  enter  but  heavily  and  dully;  whereas  if 
they  be  varied,  and  have  more  life  and  vigour  put  into 
them  by  these  forms  and  insinuations,  they  cause  a  stronger 
apprehension,  and  many  times  suddenly  win  the  mind  to  a 
resolution.    Lastly,  to  make  a  true  and  safe  judgment 
nothmg  can  be  of  greater  use  and  defence  to  the  mind 
than  the  discovering  and  reprehension  of  these  colours 
showing m  what  cases  they  hold  and  in  what  they  deceive- 
which,  as  it  cannot  be  done,  but  out  of  a  verv  universal 
knowledge  of  the  nature  of  things;  so  being  performed  it 
80  cleareth  man's  judgment  and  election,  as  it  is  the  less 
apt  to  slide  into  any  error. 


■»* 


4 


A  Table  of  the  Colours  (or  Appearances)  of 
Good  and  Evil;  and  their  Degrees,  as 
Places  of  Persuasion,  and  Dissuasion,  and 
their  several  Fallaxes,  and  the  Elenchs  of 
them. 

1.  Cui  ccBtercB  partes  vel  sectce  secundas  unanimiter 
deferunt,  cum  singulcB  principatum  sihi  vindicent,  melior 
reliquis  videtur.  Nam  prim  as  quceque  ex  zelo  videtur 
sumere ;  secundas  autem  ex  vero  et  merito  trihuere. 

Since  all  partieSy  or  sects,  challenge  the  pre-eminence 
of  the  first  place  to  themselves ;  that,  to  which  all  the 
rest  with  one  consent  give  the  second  place,  seems  to  he 
better  than  the  others.  For  every  one  seems  to  talce  the 
first  place  out  of  zeal  to  itself  hut  to  give  the  second 
where  it  is  really  due, 

SO  Cicero  went  about  to  prove  the  sect  of  Academics, 
which  suspended  all  asseveration,  for  to  be  the  best. 
For,  saith  he,  ask  a  Stoic  which  philosophy  is  true,  he  will 
prefer  his  own:  then  ask  him,  which  approacheth  next  the 
truth,  he  will  confess,  the  Academics..  So  deal  with  the 
Epicure,  that  will  scant  endure  the  Stoic  to  he  in  sight  oj 
him  ;  so  soon  as  he  hath  placed  himself,  he  will  place  the 
Academics  next  him} 

So,  if  a  prince  took  divers  competitors  to  a  place,  and 
examined  them  severally,  whom  next  themselves  they 
would  chiefly  commend;  it  were  like  the  ablest  man 
should  have  the  most  second  votes. 

The  fallax  of  this  colour  happeneth  oft  in  respect  of 
envy;  for  men  are  accustomed,  after  themselves,  and  their 
own  fashion,  to  incline  to  them  which  are  softest,  and 
are  least  in  their  way,  in  despite  and  derogation  of  them, 
that  hold  them  hardest  to  it.  So  that  this  colour  of 
meliority  and  pre-eminence  is  a  sign  of  enervation  and 
weakness. 


Cic.  Acad,  apud  Augustin.  c.  Acad.  iii.  7. 


i  ^ 


136 


A  Table  of  the  Colours 


of  Good  and  Evil, 


137 


2.  Cujus  excellentia,  vel  exsuperantia  melior;  id  toto  genere 
melius. 

That  kind  is  altogether  best,  whose  excellence  or  pre- 
eminence is  best, 

A  PPEETAINING  to  this  are  the  forms :  Let  us  not 
^.  I  wander  in  generalities.  Let  us  compare  particular 
with  particular^  &c.  This  appearance,  though  it  seem  of 
strength,  rather  logical  than  rhetorical,  yet  is  very  oft  a 
fallax. 

Sometimes  because  some  things  are  in  kind  very  casual, 
which  if  they  escape,  prove  excellent,  so  that  the  kind  is 
inferior,  because  it  is  so  subject  to  peril ;  but  that,  which 
is  excellent,  being  proved,  is  superior.  As  the  blossom  of 
March,  and  the  blossom  of  May,  whereof  the  French  verse 
goeth: 

Bourgeon  de  Mars,  enfant  de  Paris, 

Si  un  eschape,  il  en  vaut  dix. 

So  that  the  blossom  of  May  is  generally  better  than  the 
blossom  of  March;  and  yet  the  best  blossom  of  March  is 
better  than  the  best  blossom  of  May. 

Sometimes,  because  the  nature  of  some  kinds  is  to  be 
more  equal,  and  more  indifferent,  and  not  to  have  very 
distant  degrees,  as  hath  been  noted  in  the  warmer  climates, 
the  people  are  generallv  more  wise,  but  in  the  northern 
climate  the  wits  of  chief  are  greater.  So  in  many  armies, 
if  the  matter  should  be  tryed  by  duel  between  two 
champions,  the  victory  should  go  on  the  one  side ;  and 
yet,  if  it  be  tried  by  the  gross,  it  would  go  of  the  other 
side.  For  excellencies  go  as  it  were  by  chance,  but  kinds 
go  by  a  more  certain  nature,  as  by  discipline  in  war. 

Lastly,  many  kinds  have  much  refuse,  which  counter- 
vail that  which  they  have  excellent;  and  therefore  gene- 
rally metal  is  more  precious  than  stone,  and  yet  a  diamond 
is  more  precious  than  gold. 

3.  Quod  ad  veritatem  refertur,  majus  est,  quam  quod  ad 
opinionem.     Modus  autem  et  probatio  ejus,  quod  ad  opi- 
nionem  pertinet,  hcec  est:   Quod  quis,  si  clam  putaret 
fore,  facturus  non  esset. 

That  which  hath  relation  to  truth  is  greater  than  that 
which  refers  to  opinion.     But  the  measure  and  try  at  of 
that,  which  belongs  to  opinion,  is  this:  That  which  a 
man  would  not  do,  if  he  thought  it  would  not  be  known. 


\\L 


CO  tlie  Epicures  say  to  the  Stoics  felicity  placed  in 
O  virtue;  that  it  is  like  the  felicity  of  a  player,  who,  if  he 
were  left  of  his  auditory,  and  their  applause,  would  straight 
be  out  of  heart  and  countenance;  and  therefore  they  call 
virtue,  bonum  theatrale.    But  of  riches  the  poet  saitH, 


.« 


Populus  me  sibilat,  at  mihi  plaudo : 

And  of  pleasure, 

.     .     .     .     Grata  sub  imo 
Gaudia  corde  premens,  vultu  simulante  Pudorem. 

The  fallax  of  this  colour  is  somewhat  subtil,  though  the 
answer  to  the  example  be  ready:  For  virtue  is  not  chosen 
propter  auram  popularem,  for  the  applause  of  people  ;  but 
contrariwise,  maxime  omnium  teipsum  reverere,  so  as  a 
virtuous  man  will  be  virtuous  in  solitudme,  and  not  only 
in  theatro,  though  percase  it  will  be  more  strong  by  glory 
and  fame,  as  an  heat  which  is  doubled  by  reflection.     But 
that  denieth  the  supposition,  it  doth  not  reprehend  the 
fallax,  whereof  the  reprehension  is,  allow  that  virtue  (such 
as  is  ioined  with  labour  and  conflict)  would  not  be  f  hosen, 
but  for  fame  and  opinion ;  yet  it  foUoweth  not  that  the 
chief  motive  of  the  election  should  not  be  real,  and  lor 
itself-  for  fame  may  be  only  causa  impulsiva,  and  not  causa 
constituens,  or  efficiens.     As  if  there  were  two  horses,  and 
the  one  would  do  better  without  the  spur  than  the  other :  but 
a-ain,  the  other  with  the  spur  would  far  exceed  the  doing 
of  the  former,  giving  him  the  spur  also;  yet  the  latter  will 
be  iudged  to  be  the  better  horse:  and  the  form,  as  to  say 
Tush  the  life  of  this  horse  is  but  in  the  spur,  will  not  serve 
i  to  a  wise  iudgment:  for,  since  the  ordinary  instrument 
Tf  horslmanship  is  the  spur,  and  that  it  is  no  matter  of 
impediment  nor  burthen,  the  horse  is  not  to  be  accounted 
ihe  lesT  of,  which  will  not  do  weU  without  the  spur,  but 
the  other  is  to  be  reckoned  rather  a  deUcacy  than  a  virtue: 
80  dory  and  honour  are  the  spurs  to  virtue:  and,  although 
virtue  would  languish  without  them,  yet  smce  they  be 
Ilway 8  It  hand  to  attend  virtue,  virtue  is  not  to  be  said 
S  fess,  chosen  for  itself,  because  it  needed  the  spur  of 
fame  and  reputation.     And  therefore  that  position,  iV^.^a 
e)usrei,  quod  propter  opinionem,  et  non  propter  veritatem 

2  Hor.  Sat.  I.  i.  66. 


138 


A  Table  of  tlie  Colours 


V 


of  Good  and  Evil. 


139 


eligitur,  hcec  est ;  quod  quis,  si  clam  putaret  Jbrey  Jacturus 
nan  esset. 


4.  Quod  rem  integram  servat,  honum :  quod  sine  receptu  est 
malum.  Nam  se  recipere  nan  posse,  imjpotentice  genus 
est:  potentia  autem  honum. 

That,  which  keeps  a  matter  safe  and  entire,  is  good : 
hut  what  is  destitute,  and  unprovided  of  a  retreat,  is  had. 
For,  whereas  all  ability  of  acting  is  good,  not  to  he  able 
to  withdraw  ones  self,  is  a  kind  of  impotency, 

HEEEOF  uEsoi)  framed  the  fable  of  the  two  frogs, 
that  consulted  together  in  the  time  of  drought  (when 
many  plashes  that  they  had  repaired  to  were  dry,)  what 
was  to  be  done :  and  the  one  propounded  to  go  down  into 
a  deep  well,  because  it  was  like  the  water  would  not  fail 
there ;  but  the  other  answered,  yea,  but  if  it  do  fail,  how 
shall  we  get  up  again  ?  And  the  reason  is,  that  human 
actions  are  so  uncertain,  and  subject  to  perils,  as  that 
seemeth  the  best  course  which  hath  the  most  passages  out 
of  it. 

Appertaining  to  this  persuasion,  the  forms  are,^o^  shall 
engage  your  self;  on  the  other  side,  tantum,  quantum  voles, 
sumes  ex  fortuna,  you  shall  keep  the  matter  in  your  own 
hands.  The  reprehension  of  it  is,  that  proceeding  and 
resolving  in  all  actions  is  necessary.  Eor,  as  he  saith 
well,  not  to  resolve,  is  to  resolve;  and  many  times  it 
breeds  as  many  necessities,  and  engageth  as  far  as  in 
some  other  sort,  as  to  resolve.  So  it  is  but  the  covetous 
man's  disease  translated  into  power;  for  the  covetous  man 
will  enjoy  nothing,  because  he  will  have  his  full  store,  and 
possibility  to  enjoy  the  more;  so  by  this  reason,  a  man 
should  execute  nothing,  because  he  should  be  still  in- 
difierent ,  and  at  liberty  to  execute  any  thing.  Besides 
necessity  and  this  samejacta  est  alea,  hath  many  times  an 
advantage;  because  it  awaketh  the  powers  of  the  mind, 
and  strengthneth  endeavour,  Cceieris  pares,  necessitate 
certe  superiores  istis. 


f. 


5  Quod  ex  plurihus  constat  et  divisihilibus,  est  majus 
'  quam  quod  ex  paucioribus,  et  magis  unum:  nam  omnia 
per  partes  considerata  majora  videntur;  quare  et  piura- 
litaspartium  magnitudinem  prce  sefert.  Fortius  autem 
operatur  pluralitas  partium,  si  ordo  ahstt:  nam  tnductt 
similitudinem  infiniti,  et  impedit  comprehensionem. 

That,  which  consists  of  more  parts,  and  those  dimsihle, 
is  greater,  and  more  one,  than  what  is  made  up  of  fewer; 
for  all  things,  when  they  are  looked  upon  piece-meal, 
seem  greater;  whence  also  a  plurality  of  parts  make  shew 
of  a  bulk  considerable,  which  a  plurality  of  parts  effects 
more  strongly,  if  they  be  in  no  certain  order;  for  it  then 
resembles  an  infinity,  and  hinders  the  comprehending  oj 
them. 

THIS  colour  seemetL  palpable,  for  it  is  not  plurality  of 
parts,  without  majority  of  parts,  tliat  maketh  the 
total  greater ;  yet,  nevertheless,  it  often  carries  the  mind 
away;  yea,  it  deceiveth  the  sense;  as  it  seemeth  to  the 
eye  a  shorter  distance  of  way,  if  it  be  aU  dead  and  con- 
tinued, than  if  it  have  trees,  or  buildings,  or  any  other 
marks  whereby  the  eye  may  divide  it.  So  when  a  great 
monied  man  hath  divided  his  chests,  and  coins  and  bags, 
he  seemeth  to  himself  richer  than  he  was.  And  therefore 
the  way  to  amphfy  anything  is  to  break  it,  and  to  make  an 
anatomy  of  it  in  several  parts,  and  to  examine  it  acceding 
to  several  circumstances.  And  this  maketh  the  greater 
shew  if  it  be  done  without  order,  for  confusion  maketh 
things  muster  more.  And  besides,  what  is  set  down  by 
order  and  division,  doth  demonstrate,  that  nothing  is  left 
out  or  omitted  but  all  is  there:  whereas,  if  it  be  without 
order,  both  the  mind  comprehendeth  less  that  which  is  set 
down!  and  besides  it  leaveth  a  suspicion,  as  if  more  might 

be  said  than  is  expressed.  ■    .    ei-      +i,„+  ;=  +^  \.^ 

This  colour  deceiveth,  if  the  mind  of  him  that  is  to  be 
persuaded,  do  of  itself  overconceive  or  prejudge  of  the 
greatness  of  any  thing ;  for  then  the  breaking  of  it  will 
make  it  seem  less,  because  it  makes  it  to  appear  more 
Tcord  ng  to  the  truth.  And  therefore,  if  a  man  be  in 
sickness  or  pain,  the  time  will  seem  longer  without  a  clock, 
or  hourglass^  th^n  with  it:  for  the  mind  doth  value  every 
moment^;  aid  then  the  hour  doth  rather  sum  up  the 
moments  than  divide  the  day.  So  in  a  dead  plain  the 
way  seemeth  the  longer,  because  the  eye  hath  precon- 


140 


A  Table  of  the  Colours 


of  Good  and  Evil, 


141 


ceived  it  shorter,  than  the  truth :  and  the  frustrating  of 
that  maketh  it  seem  longer  than  the  truth.  Therefore,  if 
any  man  have  an  over-great  opinion  of  anything,  then  if 
another  think,  by  breaking  it  into  several  considerations, 
he  shall  make  it  seem  greater  to  him,  he  will  be  deceived. 
And  therefore,  in  such  cases,  it  is  not  safe  to  divide,  but 
to  extol  the  entire  still  in  general. 

Another  case,  wherein  this  colour  deceiveth,  is,  when 
the  matter  broken,  or  divided,  is  not  comprehended  by  the 
sense  or  mind  at  once  in  respect  of  the  distracting  or 
scattering  of  it;  and  being  entire,  and  not  divided,  is 
comprehended.  As  an  hundred  pounds  in  heaps  of  five 
pounds  will  shew  more  than  in  one  gross  heap,  so  as  the 
heaps  be  all  upon  one  table  to  be  seen  at  once,  otherwise 
not;  or  flowers,  growing  scattered  in  divers  beds,  will 
show  more,  than  if  they  did  grow  in  one  bed,  so  as  all 
those  beds  be  within  a  plot,  that  they  be  object  to  view  at 
once;  otherwise  not.  And  therefore  men,  whose  living 
lieth  together  in  one  shire,  are  commonly  counted  greater 
landed,  than  those  whose  livings  are  dispersed,  though  it 
be  more,  because  of  the  notice  and  comprehension. 

A  third  case,  wherein  this  colour  deceiveth,  which  is  not 
so  projjerly  a  case  of  reprehension,  as  it  is  a  counter  colour, 
being  in  ejQTect  as  large  as  the  colour  it  self  is,  Omnis 
compositio  indigentice  cujusdam  videtur  esse  jparticeps, 
because,  if  one  thing  would  serve  the  turn,  it  were  ever 
best,  but  the  defect  and  imperfection  of  things  hath 
brought  in  that  help  to  piece  them  up:  as  it  is  said, 
Martha,  Martha,  attendis  ad  plurima,  unum  sufficit?  So 
likewise  hereupon  ^Esop  formed  the  fable  of  the  fox  and 
the  cat :  whereas  the  fox  bragged  what  a  number  of  shifts 
and  devices  he  had  to  get  from  the  hounds ;  and  the  cat 
said,  she  had  but  one,  which  was  to  climb  a  tree ;  which 
in  proof  was  better  worth  than  all  the  rest;  whereof  the 
proverb  grew, 

Multa  novit  Vulpes,  sed  Felis  unum  magnum. 

And  in  the  moral  of  this  fable,  it  comes  likewise  to  pass, 
that  a  good  sure  friend  is  a  better  help  at  a  pinch,  than  all 
the  stratagems  and  policies  of  a  man's  own  wit.  So  it  falleth 
out  to  be  a  common  error  in  negotiating;  whereas  men 


( 


I 


#, 


*>J 


have  many  reasons  to  induce  or  persuade,  they  strive 
commonly  to  utter,  and  use  them  all  at  once,  which 
weakeneth  them.  For  it  argueth,  as  was  said,  a  needmess 
in  every  of  the  reasons  by  itself,  as  if  one  did  not  trust  to 
any  of  them,  but  fled  from  one  to  another,  helping  himselt 
only  with  that, 

Et  quse  non  prosunt  singula,  multa  juvant.* 

Indeed,  in  a  set  speech  in  an  assembly,  it  is  expected  a 
man  should  use  all  his  reasons  in  the  case  hehandleth:  but 
in  private  persuasions  it  is  always  a  great  error. 

A  fourth  case  wherein  this  colour  may  be  reprehended 
is  in  respect  of  that  same  vis  unitafortior,  according  to  the 
tale  of  the  French  king,  who,  when  the  emperor  s  am- 
bassador had  recited  his  master's  style  at  large,  which  con- 
sisteth  of  many  countries  and  dominions,  the  J^  rencJi  kmg 
willed  his  chanceUor  or  other  minister,  to  repeat  over 
France  as  many  times  as  the  other  had  recited  the  several 
dominions;  intending  it  was  equivalent  with  them  all,  and 
more  compacted  and  united.         , .       ,  ^,  .  . 

There  is  also  appertaining  to  this  colour  another  point, 
whv  breaking  of  a  thing  doth  help  it ;  not  bj  way  of  adding 
a  shew  of  magnitude  unto  it,  but  a  note  of  excellency  and 
rarity:  whereof  the  forms  are,  Where  you  shaUfind  such 
a  concurrence?  Great,  hut  not  complete:  for  it  seems  a 
less  work  of  nature  or  fortune,  to  make  anythmg  m  his 
kind  greater  than  ordinary,  than  to  make  a  strange  com- 

^^Yet^if  it  be  narrowly  considered,  this  colour  will  be 
reprehended,  or  encountred,  by  imputing  to  all  excel- 
lencies  in  compositions  a  kind  of  poverty,  or  at  least  a 
casualty  or  ieopardy:  for  from  that  which  is  excellent  m 
greatness  somewhat  may  be  taken  or  there  may  be  a 
decay,  and  yet  sufficiency  left;  but  from  that  which  hath 
his  pnce  in  composition  if  you  take  away  any  thmg,  or 
any  part  do  fail,  all  is  disgraced. 

*  Ovid.  JK.  A,  420. 


^  Luke  X.  41. 


143 


A  Table  of  the  Colours 


of  Good  and  Evil. 


143 


6.   Cujus privatio  bona,  malum:  cujusprivatio  mala,  bonum. 

^  That,  whose  privation  (or,  the  want  of  which)  is  good, 
IS  in  itself  evil:  that  whose  privation  {or,  the  want  thereof) 
IS  an  evil,  is  in  itself  good, 

f  I  ^HE  forms  to  make  it  conceived,  that  that  was  evil, 
X  which  IS  changed  for  the  better,  are,  He  that  is  in  hell 
thinks  there  is  no  other  Heaven,  Satis  quercus;  Acorns 
were  good,  till  bread  was  found,  &c.  And  of  the  other  side, 
the  forms  to  make  it  conceived  that  that  was  good  which 
was  changed  for  the  worse,  are;  Bona  magis  carendo  quam 
fruendo  sentimus.  Bona  a  tergoformosissima :  Good  things 
never  appear  in  their  full  beauty,  till  they  turn  their  back, 
and  be  going  away,  &c. 

The  reprehension  of  this  colour  is,  that  the  good  or  evil 
which  IS  removed,  may  be  esteemed  good  or  evil  com- 
paratiyely :  and  not  positively  or  simply.  So  that  if  the 
privation  be  good,  it  follows  not,  that  the  former  condition 
was  evil,  but  less  good:  for  the  flower  or  blossom  is  a 
positive  good;  although  the  remove  of  it  to  give  place  to 
the  fruit  be  a  comparative  good.  So  in  the  tale  of  ^sop, 
when  the  old  fainting  man  in  the  heat  of  the  day  cast  down 
his  burthen,  and  called  for  death;  and  when  death  came 
to  know  his  will  with  him,  said.  It  was  for  nothing,  but  to 
help  him  up  with  his  burthen  again :  it  doth  not  follow 
that  because  death,  which  was  the  privation  of  the  burthen' 
was  ill,  therefore  the  burthen  was  good.  And  in  this  part 
the  ordinary  form  of  malum  necessarium,  aptly  reprehended 
this  colour:  forprivatio  mail  necessarii  est  mala,  and  yet 
that  doth  not  convert  the  nature  of  the  necessary  evil,  but 
it  18  evil.  "^ 

Again  it  cometh  sometimes  to  pass,  that  there  is  an 
equality  in  the  change  or  privation,  and  (as  it  were)  a 
dilemma  bom,  or  a  dilemma  mali,  so  that  the  corruption 
ot  the  one  good  is  a  generation  of  the  other. 

Sorti  pater  aequus  utrique  est  :* 

And  contrary,  the  remedy  of  the  one  evil,  is  the  occasion 
and  commencement  of  another;  as  in  Scylla  and  Charybdis. 

'  Virg.  uEn.  x.  450. 


-'-» 


7.  Quod  bono  vicinum,   bonum:  quod  a  bono  remotum, 
malum. 

What  is  near  to  good,  is  good ;  what  is  at  distance 
from  good,  is  evil. 

QUCH  is  the  nature  of  things,  that  things  contrary,  and 
O  distant  in  nature  and  quality  are  also  severed  and 
disjoined  in  place;   and   things  like  and  consenting  in 
quality  are  placed,  and  as  it  were   quartered  together: 
for  partly  in  regard  of  the  nature  to  spread,  multiply, 
and  infect  in  similitude;  and  partly  in  regard  of  the  nature 
to  break,  expel,  and  alter  that  which  is  disagreeable  aad 
contrary,  most  things  do  either  associate,  and  draw  near  to 
themselves  the  like,  or  at  least  assimilate  to  themselves 
that  which  approacheth  near  them,  and  do  also  drive  away, 
chase,  and  exterminate  their  contraries     And  that  is  the 
reason  commonly  yielded,  why  the  middle  region  of  the 
air  should  be  coldest;  because  the  sun  and  stars  are  either 
hot  bv  direct  beams,  or  by  reflection     The  direct  beams 
heat  the  upper  region;  the  reflected  beams  from  the  earth 
and  seas  heat  the  lower  region.^    That  which  is  in  the 
midst,  being  furthest  distant  in  place  from  these  two  regions 
of  heat,  are  most  distant  in  nature  that  is  coldest,  which  is 
that  they  term  cold,  or  hot,  per  antiperistasin,  that  is,  en- 
vironing by  contraries;  which  was  pleasantly  taken  hold 
of  bv  him,  who  said,  that  an  honest  man  in  these  days  must 
needs  be  more  honest  than  in  ages  heretofore,  i^roj^feraw- 
tiperistasin,  because  the  shutting  of  him  m  the  midst  ot 
contraries  must  needs  make  the  honesty  stronger,  and 

more  compact  in  itself. 

The  reprehension  of  this  colour  is:  ,.,.,, 
First,  Many  things  of  amplitude  m  their  kind  do  as  it 
were  engross  to  themselves  all,  and  leave  that  which  is 
next  them  most  destitute.  As  the  shoots,  or  underwood, 
that  grow  near  a  great  and  spread  tree,  is  the  most  pined 
and  sWbby  woolof  the  field;  because  the  great  tree  doth 
deprive  and  deceive  them  of  the  sap  and  nounshment.  So 
he  saith  well,  Divitis  servi  maxime  servi,  and  the  com- 
parison was  pleasant  of  him,  that  compared  courtiers 
attendant  in  the  courts  of  princes,  without  great  place  or 
office,  to  fasting-days,  which  were  next  the  holy-days  but 
otherwise  were  the  leanest  days  in  all  the  week. 


«  Cf.  Aristot.  Meteor,  i.  12. 


144 


A  Table  oftlie  Colours 


Another  repreliension  is,  that  things  of  greatness  and 
predominancy,  thouo^h  they  do  not  extenuate  the  things 
adjoining  in  substance,  yet  they  drown  them,  and  obscure 
them  in  shew  and  appearance.  And  therefore  the  astro- 
nomers say;  that,  whereas  in  all  other  planets  conjunction 
is  the  perfectest  amity,  the  sun  contrariwise  is  good  by  as- 
pect, but  evil  by  conjunction. 

A  third  reprehension  is,  because  evil  approacheth  to 
good,  sometimes  for  concealment,  sometimes  for  protection ; 
and  good  to  evil  for  conversion  and  reformation.  So 
hypocrisy  draweth  near  to  religion  for  covert  and  hiding 
itself. 

Ssepe  latet  vitium  proximitate  boni.^ 

And  sanctuary  men,  which  were  commonly  inordinate 
men,  and  malefactors,  were  wont  to  be  nearest  to  priests, 
and  prelates,  and  holy  men :  for  the  majesty  of  good  things 
is  such,  as  the  confines  of  them  are  revered.  On  the 
other  side,  our  Saviour  charged  with  nearness  of  publicans 
and  rioters,  said,  The  physician  approacheth  the  sick  rather 
than  the  whole. ^ 

8.   Quod  quis  culpa  sua  co7itraxit,  majus  malum :  quod  ah 
externis  imponitur,  minus  malum. 

That,  which  a  man  hath  procured  hy  his  own  default, 
is  a  greater  mischief  {or  evil)  ;  that,  tvhich  is  laid  on  hy 
others,  is  a  lesser  evil, 

''FHE  reason  is,  because  the  sting  and  remorse  of  the 
X  mind  accusing  itself  doubleth  all  adversity :  con- 
trariwise, the  considering  and  recording  inwardly  that  a 
man  is  clear  and  free  from  fault  and  just  imputation,  doth- 
attemper  outward  calamities.  For  if  the  evil  be  in  the 
sense  and  in  the  conscience  both,  there  is  a  gemination  of 
it:  but  if  evil  be  in  the  one,  and  comfort  in  the  other,  it  is 
a  kind  of  compensation.  So  the  poets  in  tragedies  do  make 
the  most  passionate  lamentations,  and  those  that  forerun 
final  despair,  to  be  accusing,  questioning,  and  torturing  of 
a  man*s  self. 

Seque  unum  clamat  causamque  caputque  malorum.* 


'  Ovid.  J.  A.  ii.  662.  »  Matt.  ix.  12. 

®  Virg.   ^n.  xii.  600.     Se  causam  clamat  crimenque  caputque 


y  » 


T^<^ 


of  Good  and  Evil. 


145 


«  « 


And  contrariwise,  the  extremities  of  worthy  persons  have 
WaSated  in  the  consideration  of  their  own  good 
desS  Besides,  when  the  evil  cometh  from  without 
the™left  a  kind  of  evaporation  of  grief,  if  it  come  by 
human  in  urv,  either  by  indignation,  and  meditating  of 
rev™n"e frSurselves,  or  by  e'pecti^ng  or  fore-concemng^ 
E  Nemesis  and  retribution  wiil  take  hold  of  the  authors 
nf  o,.r  hurt-  or,  if  it  be  by  fortune  or  accident,  yet  there 
is  left  a  kind  of  expostulation  against  the  divine  powers. 

Atquc  Dcos  atque  Astra  vocat  crudelia  Mater :' 

But,  where  the  evil  is  derived  from  a  man's  own  fault, 
there  all  strikes  deadly  inwards  and  suffocateth. 

The  renrehension  of  this  colour  is: 

Rrst  In  respect  of  hope:  for  reformation  o    oi^  f^^H 

is  iw  nostra  potestate,  but  amendment  of  our  fortune 

•  J^W  k  Tot-  therefore  Demosthenes  in  many  of  his 

orTtfoL  saih  thus  To^e  people  of  Athens;  that  M 

favZrZard  to  the  time  past,  is  the  worst  point   and 
Having  reyarw  j-^  j    ^^^^  ^^  ^^^^^^ 

rrtr  t^l  tZli  Even  this,  thatly  your 
Iti^olution,  and  rnisgovernuentymr  affairs  are 
arown  to  this  declination  and  decay:  for,  had,  you  usea 
^Ind  ordered  vour  means  and  forces  to  the  best,  and  done  your 
Tc^tsm^ay  to  the  full;  and  notwithstanding  your  mat- 
^tersshoJd  have  gone  backward  in  this  manner  as  they  d^; 
iZeZd  been  J  hope  left  of  recovery  or  rfara^^.J^ 

iZtitr^rsS,'^eZZ17Ie%^^^^^ 
ZtntS%tter'than  that  to  accuse  a  man's  self  and 

'tltVreS'-S'rf  this  colour  is  in  respect  of  the 
weU  blarinrof  ev^s,  wherewith  a  man  can  charge  nobody 
but  himself,  which  maketh  them  the  less. 

Leve  fit,  quod  bene  fertur  onus :» 
A.,^  therefore  many  natures,  that  are  either  extremely 

toe  no  otier  .Uiit,  but  to  bear  it  out  well,  .«d  to  make 


malorum. 


,  V       V.J  V  9%  '  Deraosth.  Phhp.  A.  40. 

3  0vd.  Jm.\M.  10. 


.^. '* 


146 


A  Table  oftJie  Colours 


the  least  of  it.  For,  as  we  see,  when  sometimes  a  fault  is 
committed,  and  before  it  be  known  who  is  to  blame,  much 
ado  IS  made  of  it;*  but  after,  if  it  appear  to  be  done  by  a 
son,  or  by  a  wife,  or  by  a  near  friend,  then  it  is  light  made 
ot:  so  much  more,  when  a  man  must  take  it  upon  himself. 
And  therefore  it  is  commonly  seen,  that  women  which 
marry  husbands  of  their  own  choosing  against  their  friends' 
consents,  if  they  be  never  so  ill-used,  yet  you  shaU  seldom 
see  them  complain,  but  to  set  a  good  face  on  it. 

0.  Quod  opera  et  virtute  7iostra  partum  est,  majus  ho- 
num :  quod  ah  alieno  heneficio,  vel  ah  indulgentia  For- 
tunes, delatum  est,  minus  honum. 

That  which  is  gotten  by  our  own  pains  and  industry  is 
a  greater  good;    that  which  comes   hy   another  man's 
courtesy,  or  the  indulgence  of  Fortune,  is  a  lesser  good. 
^HE  reasons  are, 

i-  First,  the  future  hope:  because  in  the  favour  of  others 
or  the  good  winds  of  fortune,  we  have  no  state  or 
certainty;  m  our  endeavours  or  abihties  we  have.  So  as 
when  they  have  purchased  us  one  good  fortune,  we  have 
them  as  ready,  and  better  edged  and  environed  to  procure 
another.  ^ 

The  forms  be :  You  have  won  this  hy  play.  You  have 
not  only  the  water  hut  you  have  the  receipt:  you  can  make 
it  again,  if  it  he  lost,  &c.  -^      ^ 

Next,  because  these  properties  which  we  enjoy  by  the 
benefit  of  others,  carry  with  them  an  obligation,  which 
seemeth  a  kind  of  burthen :  whereas  the  other,  which 
derive  from  ourselves  are  like  the  freest  patents,  absque 
aliquo  inde  reddendo.  And  if  they  proceed  from  fortune 
or  providence,  yet  they  seem  to  touch  us  secretly  with  the 
reverence  of  the  divine  powers,  whose  favours  we  taste 
and  therefore  work  a  kind  of  religious  fear  and  restraint- 
whereas  in  the  other  kind,  that  comes  to  pass,  which  the 
prophet  speaketh,  Lmtantur,  exaltant,  immolant plaais  suis 
et  sacrtficant  reti  suo. 

Thirdly,  because  that,  which  cometh  unto  us  without 
our  own  virtue,  yieldeth  not  that  commendation  and 
reputation,  for  actions  of  great  fehcity  may  draw  wonder, 
but  praise  less;  as  Cicero  said  to  Caesar,  Quce  miremur, 
kabemus;  qucB  laudemus,  expectamus^ 

*  Cic.  /?.  Marcell,  9. 


^Vt% 


•  f  \ 


V 


of  Good  and  Evil. 


147 


Fourthly,  because  the  purchases  of  our  own  industry  are 
joineS  commonly  with  labour  and  stnfe;  ^t^ch  ™an 
edge  and  appetite,  and  makes  the  fruition  of  our  desires 
more  pleasant.     Suavis  ctbus  a  venatu. 

On  the  other  side,  there  be  ^^r  counter-colours  to  this 
colour,  rather  than  reprehensions ;  because  they  be  as  large 

''Ftt!te"aufe tlicity  seemeth  to  be  a  character  of  th. 
favour  and  love  of  the  Divine  Powers;  and  accordingly 
works  both  of  confidence  in  our  selves,  and  respect  and 
rthority  from  others.  And  this  felicity  extendeth  to 
mtny  casual  things,  whereunto  the  care  and  virtue  of 
man  cannot  extend,  and  therefore  seemeth  to  be  at  large 
Z"d     As  when  C^isar  said  to  the  sailer;  Co'sarem portas 

valour-  it  had  been  small  comfort  against  a  tempest, 
otherwise  than  if  it  might  seem  upon  ment  to  induce 

^■"NTxt,  whatsoever  is  done  by  virtue  and  industxy,  seems 
to  be  done  by  a  kind  of  habit  and  art;  and  therefore  open 
Z  be  Sate^d  and  followed,  whereas  fehcity  is  immitable. 
g,  we  generally  see,  that  things  of  nature  seem  more 
excellent  than  things  of  art,because  they  be  inimitable;  for, 
Ouod  imitahile  est,  potentia  quadam  vuUatumest. 
%hirCfelicity  eommendlth  those  thmgs  ^hich«>meth 
without  our  own  labour:   for  they  seem  gitts,  and  the 
Sers   seem  pennyworths.    Whereupon  Plutarch   saith 
cWantlv  of^tfc  acts  of  Timoleon,  who  was  so  fortunate, 
compaSj  with  the  acts  of  Agesilaus  and  Epaminondas 
IZuh^were  like  Homer's  verses;  they  ran  so  easily,  and 
ITwell^  And  therefore  it  is  the  word  we  give  unto  Poesie, 
termfng  it  a  happy  vein ;  because  facihty  seemeth  ever  to 

''XurthTyl'thrslme  pr.ter  spera,  .el  e^ectatumAoi^ 
increase  the  price  and  pleasure  of  many  things ;  and  this 
cannot  be  fncident  to  tLse  things  that  proceed  from  our 
own  care,  and  compass. 


5  Plut.  Cas.  38. 


6  Plut.  Timol.  36. 


148 


A  Table  of  the  Colours 


of  Good  and  EviL 


149 


10.  Gradus  privationis  major  videtur  quam  grains  dimi' 
nutionis:  et  rursus,  gradus  inceptionis  major  videtur 
quam  gradus  incrementi  : 

The  degree  of  privation  seems  greater  than  the  degree 
of  diminution :  and  again,  the  degree  of  inception  (or 
beginning)  seerns  greater  than  the  degree  of  increase, 

IT  is  a  position  in  the  mathematics,  that  there  is  no  pro- 
portion between  somewhat  and  nothing :  therefore  the 
degree  of  nullity  and  quiddity,  or  act,  seemeth  larger  than 
the  degrees  of  increase  and  decrease.  As  to  a  monoculus, 
it  IS  more  to  lose  one  eye,  than  to  a  man  that  hath  two 
eyes.  So,  if  one  have  lost  divers  children,  it  is  more  grief 
to  him  to  lose  the  Last,  than  all  the  rest:  because  he  is 
spcs  gregis.  And  therefore  Sibylla,  when  she  brought 
her  three  books,  and  had  burned  two,  did  double  the 
whole  price  of  both  the  other;^  because  the  burning  of  that 
had  been  aradus  privationis,  and  not  diminutionis. 

This  colour  is  reprehended, —first,  in  those  things,  the 
use  and  service  whereof  resteth  in  sufficiency,  competency, 
or  determinate  quantity:  as  if  a  man  be  to  pay  one 
hundred  pounds  upon  a  penalty,  it  is  more  to  him  to  want 
twelve  pence,  than  after  that  twelve  pence  supposed  to  be 
wanting,  to  want  ten  shillings  more.  So  the  decay  of  a 
man's  estate  seems  to  be  most  touched  in  the  degree 
when  he  first  grows  behind,  more  than  afterwards  when 
he  proves  nothing  worth.  And  hereof  the  common  forms 
are:  8era  infundoparsimonia:^  and,  as  good  never  a  whit 
as  never  the  better,  &c. 

It  is  reprehended  also  in  respect  of  that  notion,  Cor- 
ruptio  unius,  generatio  alterius:^  So  that  Gradus  pri- 
vationis, is  many  times  less  matter,  because  it  gives  the 
cause  and  motive  to  some  new  course.  As  when  De- 
mosthenes reprehended  the  people  for  hearkening  to  the 
conditions  offered  by  King  Philip,  being  not  honourable 
nor  equal,  he  saith,  They  were  but  elements  of  their  sloth 
and  zveaknessj  which  if  they  were  taken  away,  necessity 


Aul.  GcU.  't^oct,  Att.  i.  19.  8  llrsiod.  f>y.  k,  r)^.  367 

»  Aristot.  Be  Gen.  et  Corr,  i.  3. 


4 


tf 

ii 

I 


would  teach  them  stronger  resolutions.  So  Doctor  Hector 
was  wont  to  say  to  the  dames  of  London,  when  they 
complained  they  were  they  could  not  tell  how,  but  yet 
they  could  not  endure  to  take  any  medicme,  he  would 
tell  them,  their  way  was  only  to  be  sick ;  for  then  they 
would  be  glad  to  take  any  medicine. 

Thirdly:  this  colour  may  be  reprehended  m  respect 
that  the  degree  of  decrease  is  more  sensitive  than  the 
degree  of  privation ;  for  in  the  mind  of  men,  gradus  dimi- 
nutionis, the  degree  of  decrease,  may  work  a  wavering 
between  hope  and  fear,  and  keep  the  mmd  m  suspense, 
from  settlmg  and  accommodating  in  patience  and  resolu- 
tion. Hereof  the  common  forms  are  ;  Better  cry  out,  than 
always  ache;  make  or  mar,  &c. 

For  the  second  branch  of  this  colour,  it  depends  upon 
the  same  general  reason:  hence  grew  the  common  place 
of  extolling  the  beginning  of  everything ; 

Dimidiurn  facti  qui  bene  coepit  habet. 

This  made  the  astrologers  so  idle,  as  to  judge  of  man's 
nature  and  destiny  by  the  constellation  of  the  moment  ot 
his  nativity  or  conception. 

This  colour  is  reprehended,  because  many  inceptions  are 
but  (as  Epicurus  termeth  them)  tentamenta,  that  is,  im- 
perfect offers  and  essays,  which  vanish,  and  come  to  no 
substance  without  an  iteration;  so  as,  m  such  cases,  the 
second  degree  seems  the  worthiest ;  as  the  body-horse  in 
the  cart,  that  draweth  more  than  the  fore-horse.  Hereot 
the  common  forms  are;  T/ie  second  blow  makes  the  fray. 
The  second  word  makes  the  bargain.  Alter  principium 
dedit,  alter  modum  abstulit,  &c.  . 

Another  reprehension  of  this  colour,  is  m  respect  ot 
defatigation,  which  makes  perseverance  of  greater  dignity 
than  inception :  for  chance  or  instinct  of  nature  may  cause 
inception :  but  settled  aff'ection,  or  judgment,  maketh  the 

continuance.  ,   , .         i  ^i  •  i  •  i 

Thirdly :  this  colour  is  reprehended  m  such  things  which 
have  a  natural  course  and  inclination  contrary  to  an  incep- 
tion •  So  that  the  inception  is  continually  evacuated,  and 
.rets  no  start ;  but  there  behoveth  perpetua  mceptw,  as  in 
the  common  forms:  Non  progredi,  est  regredt.  Q,ui  non 
proficit,  deficit.  Bunnim  against  the  hill;  Bowing  against 
the  stream.     For  if  it  l.e  with  the  stream  or  with  the 


150         A  Table  oftlie  Colours  of  Good  and  Evil. 

hill,  then  the  degree  of  inception  is  more  than  all  the 
rest. 

Fourthly,  this  colour  is  to  be  understood  of  Gradus 
inceptionis  a  poientia  ad  actum  comjparatasy  cum  gradu  ab 
actu  ad  incrementum.  For  other,  major  videtur  gradus  ab 
imjpotentia  ad  potentiam,  quam  a  potentia  ad  actum. 


DEO    GLORIA. 


(H 


PREPARING     FOR     PUBLICATION, 

A  NEW 
ANNOTATED  EDITION 

OF 

THE  ENGLISH  POETS 

EDITED   BY 

ROBERT    BELL, 

AUTHOR  OF 
•  THE  HISTORY  OF  RUSSIA,*  '  LIVES  OF  THE  ENGLISH  POETS,'  ETC. 


f. 


n^HE  necessity  for  a  revised  and  carefully  Annotated 
^  Edition  of  the  EngUsh  Poets  may  be  found  in  the  fact, 
that  no  such  publication  exists.  The  only  CoUections  we 
possess  consist  of  naked  and  frequently  imperfect  Texts, 
put  forth  without  sufficient  literary  supervision.  Inde- 
pendently of  other  defects,  these  voluminous  Collections 
are  incomplete  as  a  whole,  from  their  omissions  of  many 
Poets  whose  works  are  of  the  highest  interest,  while  the 
total  absence  of  critical  and  illustrative  Notes  renders 
them  comparatively  worthless  to  the  Student  of  our 
National  Literature.     ,  ^  ,  ,    >  . 

A  few  of  our  Poet<^  ha^e  \ehn  edited  iieparptely  by^  men 
well  qualified  for  the  imdei!'takiiig,*andsereci5jd  Specimens 
have  appeared,  acc9mp9-nied  by  notices,  which,  as  far  as 
they  go,  answer  the^ifr|)oae.f(tr  \Clfioh  tjiey  were  inte;\ded. 
But  these  do  not  supply  tlie  want  wbioh  .iS.  Mt  of  a  Com- 
plete Body  of  English  Poetry,  edited  ^throughout  with 
judgment  and  integrity,  avid-cgmtiiimg' 'those:  featilres  of 
research,  typographical  ^leg?^ce,  •a'rad/elceinomy  caprice, 
[which  the  present  age  demands. 

The  Edition  now  proposed  will  be  distinguished  from 
ill  preceding  Editions  in  many  important  respects.  It  will 
include  the  works  of  several  Poets  entirely  omitted  from 


♦ 


H 


ANNOTATED    EDITION    OF   THE    ENGLISH    POETS. 


previous  Collections,  especially  those  stores  of  Lyrical  and 
Ballad  Poetry  in  which  our  Literature  is  richer  than  that 
of  any  other  country,  and  which,  independently  of  their  *, 
poetical  claims,  are  peculiarly  interesting  as  Illustrations  f 
of  Historical  Events  and  National  Customs.  ^ 

By  the  exercise  of  a  strict  principle  of  selection,  this 
Edition  will  be  rendered  intrinsically  more  valuable  than 
any  of  its  predecessors.  The  Text  will  in  all  instances  be 
scrupulously  collated,  and  accompanied  by  Biographical, 
Critical,  and  Historical  Notes. 

An  Introductory  Volume  will  present  a  succinct  account  | 
of  English  Poetry  from  the  earliest  times  down  to  Chaucer, 
with  whose  works  the  Collection  will  commence.  Occa- 
sional volumes  will  be  introduced,  in  which  Specimens  will 
be  given  of  the  Minor  Poets,  with  connecting  Notices  and 
Commentaries.  The  important  materials  gathered  from 
previously  unexplored  sources  by  the  researches  of  the 
last  quarter  of  a  century  will  be  embodied  wherever  they 
may  be  available  in  the  general  design;  and  by  these 
means  it  is  hoped  that  the  Collection  will  be  made  of  greater  f 
completeness  than  any  that  has  been  hitherto  attempted, 
and  that  it  will  be  rendered  additionally  acceptable  as 
comprising  in  its  course  a  Continuous  History  of  English 
Poetry. 

By  the  arrangements  that  will  be  adopted,  the  Works 
of  all  the  p\incipcil*Poet8  may-lDe  purchased  separately  and 
indepondbnify.  of  the'r^sfet..  »Tlie  Oocasional  Volumes,  con- 
taining, according  to  circumstances,  the  Poetry  of  a  par- 
tic  uja^i*  Pferiod;— such  ^s*^  that  .of  :ihe!  Commonwealth,  the  ^ 
Eesloration^  .\ot  .  tlje*  . Jacbbite  *  relies,  —  or  that  may  be 
specially  devoted  to  historical  and  critical  details,  will  also 
be  readeced  com  qlete  ih  themselves^ 


II 


The  Work  mil  he  issued  i^'Montfihj  Volumes,  Foolscap  Octavo 
Due  Notice  will  be  given  of  the  time  and  order  of  publication. 


London:  JOH^.    .V.  PARKER  AND  SON,  West  Strand. 


1 


l"^ 


31 


A 


V 


♦ 


^i| 


f 


i 


I 


i--*f  iB^,^'->,-»*-it''*r-  '-^^  -■'"■■'  f'   'r' ' 


X 


'.         T^y^-TjppQ 


»  1 


^    **!♦.*'>•    *. 


A 


t  K 


r 


(  132313 


i 


LV 


U 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY  L 


0021106843 


BRITTLE  ro  NAT 
PHOTOCO'V 


Wl  86  1939 


L*jiai^ 


r«r*!fi?ses3Bia:j.*sjjtsac:f' 


■*,  • 


^   *^t 


